Islamabad Emerges as Leading Venue for Next US-Iran Technical Talks
Pakistan's capital Islamabad is emerging as the leading venue for the next round of technical negotiations between the United States and Iran, according to a media report on Sunday. The talks are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve long-standing disputes between Washington and Tehran.
The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 aimed at restoring peace in West Asia. This was followed by technical-level talks in Switzerland on June 21, with Pakistan and Qatar serving as mediators. The next round is expected to take place on July 11, though a final decision on the venue has yet to be announced.
Two Possible Venues Under Consideration
Diplomatic sources told Dawn that two possible venues for the technical talks are Islamabad and the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland. However, one source indicated that Islamabad is the more likely option. The talks were temporarily delayed due to the multi-day state funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei, who ruled Iran for the last three decades, was killed on February 28, the first day of massive US and Israeli joint air strikes on Tehran. Iranian officials have indicated that the composition of Tehran's delegation will be announced after the funeral ceremonies conclude.
Funeral Ceremonies and Timeline
Starting Sunday, burial ceremonies are slated to be held in Tehran and Qom and will continue until Tuesday, July 7. The final burial ceremony will take place in the city of Mashhad on Thursday, July 9. These ceremonies have pushed back the resumption of talks.
According to Dawn, the negotiations will focus on Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and Iranian assets frozen abroad. The discussions are also expected to address regional security issues, including efforts to preserve stability in the Strait of Hormuz and maintain the recently agreed ceasefire in Lebanon.
Key Issues on the Table
The technical talks aim to keep the diplomatic process on track following the June 18 MoU. A diplomatic source said: "There are two possible venues for the technical talks - Islamabad and the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland. Islamabad, however, is the more likely option."
The US and Iran have been engaged in indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. The upcoming round is seen as critical for building on the initial agreement and addressing core disputes that have fueled tensions in the region.
