US and Iran Schedule July 11 Talks in Islamabad

The United States and Iran are scheduled to resume technical negotiations on July 11, with Islamabad, Pakistan, emerging as the most likely venue. These talks aim to advance the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 18 by Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The agenda focuses on Iran's nuclear program, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, the release of frozen assets, and regional security, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and stability in the Strait of Hormuz.

Mediation efforts led by Pakistan, Qatar, and other regional partners have faced significant hurdles. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the process as difficult and complicated, noting moments where negotiations nearly collapsed. Recent indirect talks in Doha have left both parties in dispute over whether a partial release of frozen funds was agreed upon. The process was briefly delayed by the state funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during U.S.-Israeli attacks in February.

Diplomatic tensions remain high. President Trump has mocked the funeral ceremonies and claimed Iran is eager to settle, while Iranian officials have warned of divine retribution. Additionally, the Institute for Science and International Security reported that Iran continues construction at a secret underground site in the Zagros Mountains known as Pickaxe Mountain, which may violate the existing memorandum. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the Israeli government not to sabotage the deal, arguing that regional contributions are essential for a lasting peace.