ISLAMABAD — As the hours tick away until the US-Iran cease-fire expires, even the epicenter of potential peace between the US and Iran is on edge.
Pakistan’s capital is largely shut down as even the most basic answers to questions about the US-Iran conflict remaining elusive.
At what time will the cease-fire end? Who is coming for peace talks? Are they even happening at all?
Three Pakistani sources told The Post the cease-fire is scheduled to end at 4:50 p.m. ET on Wednesday, but the White House did not respond to multiple requests for confirmation and President Trump hasn’t specified the hour publicly. He told Bloomberg News on Monday that the ceasefire expires on “Wednesday evening Washington time.”
One minute, the talks are on — the next, they could be off. Overall, there are more questions than answers here, where officials tell The Post it is a constantly evolving situation.
The US side has been consistent: the talks are happening, with the US delegation headed by JD Vance coming to Pakistan “soon.” Meanwhile, the Iranians have yet to publicly commit to the talks — even with a Wednesday cease-fire deadline.
But even Pakistani sources — which have rarely spoken to media during the mediations — have said they are confident the talks will occur, as bluster and posturing are expected before such high-stakes talks.
“They did not say no,” a Pakistani source told The Post. “They will come, arrangements are in hand.”
Trump was confident on Tuesday morning — saying in a post to Truth Social that Iranian leaders would “will soon be in negotiations with my representatives.”
He also told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that he did not want to extend the cease-fire, cranking up the pressure on Tehran to come to Islamabad.
“We don’t have that much time,” he said. “…I expect to be bombing because I think that’s a better attitude to go in with — but we’re ready to go.”
But ask anyone when, exactly, the the talks will happen, and you’ll get different answers. Reporters from around the world have begun to arrive to Islamabad — but very little is still known on timing.
It’s a symptom of a high-pressure, fast-paced situation, insiders say.
The uncertainty is especially apparent in Islamabad, which hosted the first round of talks and is expected to hold the second round soon.
Whole portions of the city are blocked off to traffic as a security perimeter is established, the hotels that will host the delegations have closed and many businesses have shut up shop as whispers of “what is happening?” echoes in the hallways.
“Do you know if the talks are happening, or did I close my store for nothing,” one Pakistani businessman said in an email to The Post.
“Really hope this all comes through,” said another. “Not just for me, but for the world.”
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