Washington, United States – Web Desk: Islamabad has emerged as the leading candidate to host the next round of technical negotiations between the United States and Iran, as diplomatic efforts continue to revive dialogue over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional security, diplomatic sources said.
According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the next round of technical talks is expected on July 11, with Islamabad and Switzerland’s Bürgenstock Resort being considered as potential venues. However, Pakistan’s capital is currently viewed as the preferred option.
The upcoming negotiations are part of broader international efforts to maintain diplomatic momentum following recent indirect discussions between Washington and Tehran.
Diplomatic sources said the talks will focus on several key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and preserving the recently agreed ceasefire in Lebanon.
The discussions will build on the framework established under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed two weeks ago, which granted both sides a 60-day window to negotiate a comprehensive agreement addressing nuclear issues and regional stability.
The technical negotiations were briefly delayed due to the funeral ceremonies of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities are expected to announce the composition of their negotiating team after the ceremonies conclude.
The latest diplomatic initiative follows indirect talks held in Doha, where US President Donald Trump described discussions as “very good.” Iranian officials claimed progress had been made regarding the partial release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, although US officials disputed reports that any final agreement had been reached.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan and Qatar continue to play an active mediating role, facilitating indirect communication between both sides during the pause in formal negotiations.
Officials indicated that if technical teams make sufficient progress, a new round of high-level direct negotiations could take place in Doha later this month.
US and Iran Exchange Fresh Rhetoric
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high.
During a speech marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, President Donald Trump mocked the delay in negotiations caused by Iran’s state funeral ceremonies, claiming Washington had “given Iran a week off for a funeral.”
Trump also reiterated that Tehran was eager to reach a settlement, while defending Washington’s recent military actions.
Iran strongly rejected the remarks.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said seeking justice against the United States and Israel would remain a national priority, describing the international participation in Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral as evidence of Iran’s regional standing.
Meanwhile, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Ozmaei warned that “divine retribution” against the United States and Israel was “not far away,” according to Iranian state media.
Warning Over Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also warned against military activities by what he described as “extra-regional powers” in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that Tehran would hold any party responsible for escalating tensions fully accountable.
Separately, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected President Trump’s comments regarding Iran’s food supplies, saying Washington must recognise that regional realities have changed following the recent conflict.
He added that stronger regional cooperation, including joint management of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and Oman, could improve trade and eventually help create conditions for easing international sanctions.
The planned negotiations are widely viewed as a critical step toward reducing tensions, strengthening regional security, and advancing diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.
