Pakistan has lifted the traffic and security restrictions around the Serena Hotel and the high-security Red Zone in Islamabad, which had been in effect for over a week due to preparations for a new round of talks between the United States and Iran. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the end of these restrictions, thanking the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi for their patience and cooperation during this period. The heightened security measures were implemented as Pakistan sought to play a mediating role in the stalled negotiations aimed at addressing the ongoing regional conflict. This was the second lockdown in two weeks, following an earlier closure on April 11 for talks that also ended without a deal. With the restrictions now lifted and no immediate discussions scheduled, life is expected to return to normal in central Islamabad. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump indicated that Iran could reach out for negotiations if desired, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Pakistan after a visit to Oman, reportedly with a message from Tehran regarding the stalled talks.