Islamabad expected to host next round of US-Iran technical talks

Islamabad is expected to host the next round of technical negotiations between the United States and Iran, with diplomatic sources indicating that Pakistan's capital has emerged as the preferred venue for talks aimed at advancing efforts to resolve longstanding disputes between the two countries.

According to diplomatic sources, the negotiations are expected to take place on July 11, although a final decision on the venue has yet to be announced. Switzerland's Bürgenstock resort is also under consideration, but Islamabad is currently viewed as the leading option.

The talks are expected to focus on Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets and regional security issues, including maintaining stability in the Strait of Hormuz and preserving the recently agreed ceasefire in Lebanon.

The meeting is intended to advance the framework established under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed two weeks ago, which provides a 60-day roadmap for negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and related issues.

Diplomatic sources said the talks were temporarily delayed due to funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Qatar have continued to facilitate indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran during the pause in negotiations.