D-Day for Diplomacy: Islamabad Set to Host Make-or-Break US-Iran Talks on July 11

Islamabad is emerging as the most likely venue for the next round of technical negotiations between the United States and Iran , with diplomatic sources indicating the meeting could be held on July 11 , although an official announcement is still awaited. According to Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, Islamabad and Switzerland's Burgenstock resort remain the two shortlisted venues, with the Pakistani capital currently viewed as the preferred choice.

The proposed meeting is part of the diplomatic roadmap established under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on June 18 to revive dialogue after months of heightened tensions. The agreement created a 60 day window for both sides to negotiate a broader settlement covering Iran's nuclear programme , sanctions relief, maritime security and regional stability. It was followed by technical level discussions in Switzerland on June 21 , while Pakistan and Qatar have continued to play a central role as mediators.

The latest diplomatic push also follows indirect technical talks in Doha earlier this week. US President Donald Trump described those discussions as "very good," signalling optimism about the ongoing negotiations. Iranian officials claimed progress had been made on the partial release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, though US officials reportedly disputed that any final agreement had been reached. Diplomatic sources said both sides have continued indirect contacts through mediators to ensure the momentum of negotiations is maintained.

The upcoming technical discussions are expected to focus on Iran's nuclear programme , sanctions relief , the release of frozen assets and broader regional security concerns. Negotiators are also expected to discuss maintaining stability in the Strait of Hormuz , one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes, as well as preserving the recently agreed Lebanon ceasefire . Diplomats involved in the process say the technical teams will attempt to narrow differences before political leaders meet again later this month.

The talks were temporarily delayed due to the funeral ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , who was killed during the joint US and Israeli air strikes on Tehran earlier this year. Iran is expected to announce the composition of its negotiating delegation after the ceremonies conclude.

Diplomatic sources said marathon negotiating sessions in recent weeks have already produced a preliminary roadmap covering nuclear restrictions , sanctions relief , maritime security and regional de-escalation. While officials from both sides acknowledge that progress has been made, they caution that the process remains fragile amid lingering mistrust between Washington and Tehran .

If the July 11 technical meeting proceeds as planned, officials familiar with the negotiations expect the next round of high level direct talks to take place in Doha during the third week of July , potentially bringing both countries a step closer to a comprehensive agreement after years of strained relations.