ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital Islamabad is emerging as the main venue for the next round of technical talks between the United States and Iran, media reports said on Sunday. The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 aimed at restoring peace in West Asia. This was followed by technical-level talks on June 21 in Switzerland, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators.Dawn newspaper quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the resumption of talks is part of ongoing efforts to keep the diplomatic process on track and resolve the long-standing dispute between Washington and Tehran. “The technical talks are likely to have two venues – Islamabad and the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock,” a diplomatic source said. “However, Islamabad is the more likely option.”The technical talks are expected to take place on July 11, but a final decision on the location has not yet been made.“Dawn” further quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the negotiations will focus on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and Iran’s frozen assets abroad.The discussions are also expected to address regional security issues, including efforts to maintain stability in the Strait of Hormuz. The July 11 meeting was aimed at advancing the framework established by the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed two weeks ago, which gave the two sides 60 days to negotiate a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and related issues.
