PAF Activates Air Shields As High-Powered US, Iran Delegations Enter Pakistani Airspace In Phases | Exclusive

Last Updated:April 09, 2026, 22:56 IST

Unlike the Iranian delegation, which is expected to land in a single block led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the American delegation is arriving in two-three distinct phases

In a series of high-stakes manoeuvres, Pakistan has activated its full national security apparatus—both in the air and on the ground—to facilitate the arrival of adversarial delegations from the United States and Iran. The mission is so sensitive that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been placed on high alert, with air defence systems activated to monitor the country’s southern and western airspaces, CNN-News18 has learnt.

The Air Shield: PAF Activates Protocols

Top sources within the Pakistan Air Force confirm that multiple air activities recorded this evening are part of a “foolproof" security mechanism for the impending peace talks. This is not merely a ground operation; the PAF has deployed two IL-78 refuelling tankers and three C-130 transport aircraft, which have remained airborne since early evening to provide air protocol and security for the incoming jets.

In a notable development, special PAF flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia were also reported tonight. This regional coordination is mirrored on the diplomatic front, with the Pakistani Foreign Minister reportedly speaking twice with his Saudi Arabian counterpart today to ensure a unified regional security posture as the high-powered delegations enter the airspace.

A Staggered Arrival: The US Phased Approach

Unlike the Iranian delegation, which is expected to land in a single high-profile block led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the American delegation is arriving in two-three distinct phases. CNN-News18 has learnt that the first phase involves the arrival of US security teams and “tier-two" officials to vet the facilities and establish secure communication lines.

In a tactical move, high-profile figures Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are scheduled to arrive in the first phase of the political delegation. Vice President JD Vance is expected to touch down later in the second phase, under even tighter security protocols. This staggered arrival is designed to manage the immense security risks associated with having the second-highest-ranking US official in a theatre of such high tension.

To & Fro: The Buffer Zone Diplomacy

The strategy inside the Islamabad “Red Zone" is one of extreme caution. Official sources claim that, initially, the American and Iranian delegations will not be brought face-to-face. This “To & Fro" diplomacy involves both parties holding separate, intensive meetings with Pakistani officials first to establish the baseline of the “Islamabad Accord“.

The Pakistani mediators, acting as a “human buffer", will relay terms between the two sides from their respective secure locations. A direct, face-to-face meeting between the US and Iranian delegations is only expected to occur once a preliminary consensus has been reached during these separate sessions. With the Iranian delegation confirmed to be meeting Pakistani officials tonight, the groundwork for Saturday’s summit is being laid in the shadows of the capital’s most secure military installations.

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