Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, is emerging as the frontrunner to host the next round of technical talks between the United States and Iran, according to a media report. The negotiations, expected on July 11, are aimed at carrying forward the diplomatic process launched after the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last month to ease tensions in West Asia.
While Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort remains the other option, Islamabad is the more likely venue, Dawn reported quoting diplomatic sources.
“There are two possible venues for the technical talks – Islamabad and the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland,” one diplomatic source said. “Islamabad, however, is the more likely option.”
The technical talks are expected to take place on July 11, although a final decision on the venue has yet to be announced. The talks were temporarily delayed because of the multi-day state funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials have indicated that the composition of Tehran’s delegation will be announced after the funeral ceremonies conclude.
Agenda of negotiations this time
Dawn further quoted diplomatic sources to say that 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.
The July 11 meeting is intended to advance the framework established under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed two weeks ago, which gave 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 earlier this week. The most recent high-level negotiations were held at Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort and were mediated by Qatar and Pakistan.
Diplomatic sources said mediators from Qatar and Pakistan continued to facilitate indirect contacts during the pause in negotiations, with discussions focusing on ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and preserving the 60-day ceasefire agreed after June negotiations in Switzerland.
(With agency inputs)