Islamabad frontrunner to host US-Iran talks

Islamabad is emerging as the primary venue for the upcoming technical negotiations between the United States and Iran, diplomatic sources told Dawn. The talks, anticipated around July 11, aim to advance a framework established by a recent memorandum of understanding. These discussions are crucial for addressing Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the status of frozen Iranian assets abroad.

While two potential locations were considered, Islamabad and Switzerland's Burgenstock resort, diplomatic sources indicate Pakistan's capital is the more probable choice. The negotiations are expected to delve into regional security issues, including efforts to maintain stability in the Strait of Hormuz and uphold the recent ceasefire in Lebanon. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed two weeks prior, provides a 60-day window for negotiating a comprehensive agreement on these matters.

The process experienced a temporary delay due to the extensive funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite this pause, mediators from Qatar and Pakistan have continued to facilitate indirect contacts. These discussions have focused on ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and preserving the 60-day ceasefire agreed upon after previous negotiations in Switzerland. The most recent high-level talks in Switzerland produced a roadmap for a broader agreement covering Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, maritime security, and regional de-escalation.

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Islamabad, however, is the more likely option.