Next round of U.S.-Iran talks likely to be held at Islamabad: report

Lead

Pakistan's capital Islamabad is emerging as the leading venue for the next round of technical negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, according to a media report on Sunday (July 5, 2026). The report, which cited diplomatic sources via Dawn, said there are two possible venues for the talks—Islamabad and the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland—with Islamabad the more likely option. The talks are expected to take place on July 11, though a final decision on the venue has yet to be announced.

Coverage Comparison

The Hindu's coverage draws on two distinct reports, both sourced from Pakistani officials and Dawn, which itself cited diplomatic sources. The first report, published on June 25, 2026, quotes Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi as saying that talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to resume next week. Andrabi stated that "parties are on the table" and that the process is ongoing, describing the pause as a "temporary gap" rather than a break. He noted that Pakistan's delegation was present in Burgenstock for the June 22 talks and expected to be there when talks resume.

The second report, published on July 5, 2026, focuses on the venue selection, citing a diplomatic source who said, "There are two possible venues for the technical talks—Islamabad and the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland. Islamabad, however, is the more likely option." It also explains that the talks were temporarily delayed due to the multi-day state funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to the report, Iranian officials have indicated that the composition of Tehran's delegation will be announced after the funeral ceremonies conclude.

Both reports agree that the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 18, aimed at restoring peace in West Asia, followed by technical-level talks in Switzerland on June 21, with Pakistan and Qatar as mediators. The first report adds that the two sides agreed on a roadmap towards a final peace deal in 60 days. The second report notes that the negotiations will focus on Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and Iranian assets frozen abroad, as cited from Dawn.

The reports differ slightly in their emphasis: the first focuses on the resumption of talks and Pakistan's role as a mediator, while the second provides more detail on the venue, the delay, and the agenda. Neither report includes comment from the U.S. or Iran on the reported resumption.

Key Claims

• Resumption of Talks: Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to resume next week, likely on Tuesday, describing the gap as temporary.
• Memorandum of Understanding: The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 aimed at restoring peace in West Asia, followed by technical-level talks in Switzerland on June 21.
• Mediators: Pakistan and Qatar acted as mediators during the talks, with Pakistan having signed the memorandum as a "guarantor" according to the first report.
• Roadmap: The talks agreed on a roadmap towards a final peace deal in 60 days, as reported by Pakistan's foreign office.
• Venue Selection: Islamabad is emerging as the leading venue for the next round of talks, with a diplomatic source indicating it is more likely than the Burgenstock resort, with the technical talks expected on July 11.
• Delay Due to Funerals: The talks were temporarily delayed because of the multi-day state funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with burial ceremonies starting Sunday and continuing until July 9.
• Negotiation Focus: The negotiations will focus on Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and Iranian assets frozen abroad, as reported by Dawn citing diplomatic sources.