Islamabad: Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, has emerged as the leading candidate to host the next round of technical-level discussions between Iran and the United States, according to diplomatic sources cited by Pakistani media.
The proposed meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing long-standing disputes between Washington and Tehran while maintaining channels for dialogue.
Diplomatic sources said two locations are under consideration for the talks: Islamabad and the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland. However, Islamabad is currently viewed as the more likely venue. The meeting is expected to take place on July 11, although the final location has not yet been officially confirmed.
The agenda is expected to include discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, the possible easing of sanctions, Iranian assets frozen overseas, and broader regional security issues. Officials are also expected to address maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to preserve a recent ceasefire in Lebanon.
According to diplomatic sources, the discussions form part of a broader diplomatic framework agreed upon in an understanding reached approximately two weeks ago. Under that framework, both sides are seeking to work toward a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and related issues within a 60-day period. The planned July 11 meeting is expected to advance that process.
Preparations for the talks were temporarily delayed following official mourning ceremonies and funeral observances for Iran’s Supreme Leader. Iranian officials have indicated that the country’s delegation will be finalized after the conclusion of those ceremonies.
Earlier this week, Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Doha, Qatar. U.S. President Donald Trump described those discussions as “very positive.” Iranian officials, meanwhile, said progress had been made regarding the possible release of a portion of Iran’s frozen overseas assets. U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed such an understanding.
Diplomatic sources said Qatar and Pakistan continued to facilitate communication between the two sides during the pause in formal negotiations. Their mediation reportedly focused on maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and preserving the ceasefire that followed earlier discussions held in Switzerland.
The most recent high-level negotiations took place at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland, where representatives, with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan, discussed Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief, maritime security, and measures aimed at reducing regional tensions.
While officials describe the negotiations as having produced limited progress, diplomatic sources caution that deep-rooted differences between Washington and Tehran continue to make the process fragile.
Officials familiar with the discussions say that, if the technical-level meeting proceeds as planned, another round of senior-level direct talks could take place in Doha during the third week of July.
