Next Round Of US-Iran Talks To Be Held In Islamabad On July 11

Islamabad is expected to host the next round of technical talks between the United States and Iran on July 11, as diplomatic efforts continue to advance a broader framework for regional stability in the Middle East. The discussions are part of ongoing negotiations aimed at addressing long-standing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and maritime security issues.

According to a report by Dawn, Islamabad has emerged as the most likely venue for the upcoming round of negotiations, although Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort is also being considered as an alternative location. Diplomatic sources indicated that a final decision on the venue is expected shortly as preparations for the talks progress.

The proposed negotiations follow the signing of an Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 18, under which Washington and Tehran agreed to pursue structured dialogue on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear activities, the easing of sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The agreement also outlined broader cooperation on regional maritime stability.

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Subsequently, technical-level discussions were held in Switzerland on June 21 with mediation support from Pakistan and Qatar. Both sides reportedly committed to working towards a comprehensive agreement within a 60-day timeframe, signalling cautious progress in diplomatic engagement despite long-standing geopolitical tensions.

The upcoming round of talks was initially delayed due to state funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities have stated that the composition of their delegation will be announced after the completion of the ceremonies, further shaping the timeline for negotiations.

Key agenda items for the Islamabad meeting include regional security concerns, particularly maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The technical discussions are expected to pave the way for a higher-level round of direct talks, potentially scheduled in Doha later this month, as both sides work toward a broader and more durable agreement.

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