Held at a 5-Star Hotel in Pakistan, US-Iran Negotiations Begin
Representatives from Iran and the United States (US) have begun negotiations to end the Middle East war. The negotiations are taking place in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Quoted by AFP on Saturday (11/4/2026), the Iranian news agencies Fars and Tasnim stated that it was “decided to begin negotiations” after “progress achieved during preliminary discussions and a reduction in attacks by the Zionist regime in southern Beirut in Lebanon”, referring to Israel.
Iranian news agencies Mehr and Isna also announced the start of the negotiations, after the Pakistani Prime Minister’s office Shehbaz Sharif stated that peace talks had “begun”.
Negotiations Taking Place at a 5-Star Hotel
Meanwhile, the location of the negotiations is reported to be at the luxurious Serena Hotel, one of the most tightly guarded buildings in Islamabad. The location is considered an unusual choice for such important talks, especially since the worst armed attack in Islamabad occurred in 2008 at the nearby Marriott Hotel.
However, Serena’s beautiful surroundings and Moorish architecture conceal what security officials describe as a well-organised security setup. They and a former police chief point to its strategic location near the diplomatic zone and years of securing important guests.
“Its security staff are well-trained because most of them are retired security officers,” said Tahir Alam Khan, former Islamabad police chief.
“Entry and exit points are at a sufficient distance from the main complex, which enhances its security. And the most important factor is its easy access from important places, such as the prime minister’s residence, Parliament House,” he continued.
A government source said that the 6-hectare (15-acre) hotel grounds - which include more than 400 rooms, several banqueting halls, conference rooms, and an office complex - can accommodate hundreds of guests, ideal for the US and Iranian delegations, consisting of more than 150 people.
“The hotel has layered and strict security checks… Finally, the hotel has strong coordination with state security agencies,” said Kaleem Imam, former police chief.