On July 5, Islamabad emerged as the probable venue for the next round of technical negotiations between the US and Iran, according to a media report. The negotiations are part of ongoing efforts to restore peace in West Asia, following the memorandum of understanding signed on June 18. Technical-level talks were held in Switzerland on June 21, with Pakistan and Qatar as mediators. The talks are expected to resume on July 11, with Islamabad and the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland being considered as possible venues. However, diplomatic sources indicate that Islamabad is the more likely option.
The talks were temporarily delayed due to the state funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials will announce the composition of Tehran’s delegation after the funeral ceremonies conclude. The negotiations will focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and Iranian assets frozen abroad. Regional security issues, including efforts to preserve stability in the Strait of Hormuz and maintain the ceasefire in Lebanon, will also be addressed.
The July 11 meeting aims to advance the framework established under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which gives both sides 60 days to negotiate a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme and related issues. The latest diplomatic efforts follow indirect technical discussions held in Doha, which US President Donald Trump described as “very good”. Diplomatic sources said mediators from Qatar and Pakistan continued to facilitate indirect contacts during the pause in negotiations, focusing on ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and preserving the 60-day ceasefire.
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📰 Source: Siasat Gulf