Islamabad is set to host a crucial round of US-Iran nuclear talks on July 11, as diplomatic efforts continue despite rising regional tensions.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's capital is expected to play a key diplomatic role as Islamabad has emerged as the leading candidate to host the next round of technical negotiations between the United States and Iran, according to diplomatic sources. The talks are tentatively scheduled for July 11, although officials have not yet confirmed the venue. Switzerland's Bürgenstock Resort remains another possible location, but Islamabad is currently viewed as the preferred option. Focus of the Talks The upcoming negotiations will center on Iran's nuclear programme, the easing of international sanctions, and the release of Iranian assets frozen overseas. Regional security issues, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the recent Lebanon ceasefire, are also expected to be discussed. The meeting follows the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed two weeks ago, which gave both sides 60 days to work toward a comprehensive agreement on nuclear and regional security issues. Temporary Delay The diplomatic process was briefly delayed due to the state funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials are expected to announce their negotiating team after the funeral concludes. Earlier indirect discussions in Doha were described by US President Donald Trump as "very good," while Iranian officials claimed progress had been made on the possible release of frozen Iranian funds. However, US officials have not confirmed those claims. Diplomatic sources said Pakistan and Qatar have continued facilitating indirect communication between Washington and Tehran, helping keep negotiations on track. High-Level Talks Expected Later This Month Officials familiar with the negotiations believe that after the technical discussions are completed, senior representatives from both countries could meet in Doha during the third week of July to finalize the framework for a broader agreement. War of Words Continues Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. President Donald Trump, speaking during US Independence Day celebrations, said Iran was eager to reach a settlement and joked that Washington had given Tehran "a week off" because of the funeral ceremonies. Iran strongly rejected the remarks. Officials in Tehran vowed to continue seeking justice against the United States and Israel, while senior commanders of Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that retaliation against both countries would come in due course. Warning Over the Strait of Hormuz Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that the Strait of Hormuz is not a place for military displays by outside powers, saying Tehran would hold any country responsible for actions that increase regional tensions. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed President Trump's comments about Iran's food supplies, arguing that the geopolitical landscape has changed following the recent conflict and that Washington must recognize the new regional realities.