Islamabad is likely to host the next round of technical negotiations between the United States and Iran on July 11, according to diplomatic sources, Dawn news has reported.
However, officials have not yet made a final decision on the venue.
The two options under consideration are Islamabad and the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland. Diplomatic sources said the Pakistani capital currently appears to be the more likely choice.
Talks to Focus on Nuclear Program and Sanctions
The upcoming discussions are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and Iranian assets frozen abroad.
Negotiators may also discuss regional security, stability in the Strait of Hormuz, and efforts to preserve the recently agreed ceasefire in Lebanon.
The planned meeting will build on the framework established under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
That agreement gave Washington and Tehran 60 days to negotiate a broader settlement covering Iran’s nuclear activities and other disputed issues.
Funeral Ceremonies Delayed Negotiations
The latest round was temporarily delayed because of the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian officials are expected to announce the composition of Tehran’s delegation after the ceremonies conclude.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Qatar have continued to facilitate indirect contacts between the two sides during the pause.
The mediators have focused on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and preserving the ceasefire agreed after negotiations in Switzerland.
Earlier Talks Held in Switzerland
The most recent high-level negotiations took place at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland under Pakistani and Qatari mediation.
Those talks produced a roadmap for a wider agreement covering nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief, maritime security and regional de-escalation.
Although officials reported progress, they also warned that the diplomatic process remained fragile because of continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Technical teams are expected to complete detailed work before another round of high-level direct talks, which could take place in Doha during the third week of July.
For now, Islamabad remains the frontrunner for the July 11 technical meeting, but an official announcement is still awaited.
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