By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – Technical-level negotiations between the United States and Iran under the recently signed "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" will proceed on June 21 in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday.

The talks, which were originally scheduled for Friday but postponed due to disagreements over compliance and renewed Israeli military activity in Lebanon, will include representatives from the United States and Iran, with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar participating.

Pakistan's Foreign Office confirmed that the discussions will aim to advance the understandings reached under the landmark agreement, with Islamabad continuing its role as a mediator. "Pakistan, in its role as mediator, will continue to facilitate the process," the Foreign Office stated.

US Vice President JD Vance, who has been positioned by President Donald Trump as the lead negotiator, indicated that high-level talks could commence as early as Sunday, following the technical meetings. According to US officials, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner are already on the ground in Switzerland, preparing for the negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed its delegation will travel to Switzerland to follow up on the implementation of US commitments under the agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to join the delegation, though reports indicate that Tehran views the establishment of a genuine ceasefire in Lebanon as a crucial condition for advancing the diplomatic process.

The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a 14-point framework, was electronically signed on June 18 by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif serving as mediator. The agreement aims to end the conflict that began on February 28 and includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the US naval blockade, and establishing a 60-day negotiation window to address outstanding issues, including Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and regional security.

The signing followed weeks of intense diplomatic efforts by Pakistan, which has emerged as a key intermediary in regional diplomacy after hosting the highest-level direct talks between the US and Iran in April since the two countries severed diplomatic ties in 1979.