Iran Signals Readiness to Resume US Talks Under Islamabad Framework

Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States may be gaining momentum again, according to an Arab media report. Tehran has reportedly informed Pakistan that it is prepared to resume negotiations with Washington under the previously agreed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

While tensions remain high following recent military exchanges, both sides appear to be leaving the door open for diplomacy.

Iran Proposes Three Possible Venues

According to Al Arabiya English, citing sources, Iran has confirmed to Pakistan that it is willing to continue talks with the United States in one of three locations:

Geneva
Doha
Islamabad

The report states that Iran wants the negotiations to continue under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year.

Iran's Three-Stage Negotiation Plan

The report says Tehran has proposed a phased approach to future negotiations.

Stage One

Talks focused on the Strait of Hormuz.

Stage Two

Discussions regarding Iran's frozen assets.

Final Stage

Negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.

Iran has also reportedly informed Pakistan that it rejects any initiative aimed at creating a new corridor that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.

Background: The Islamabad Memorandum

The United States and Iran signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 17, 2026.

Following the agreement, senior officials from both countries held their first direct talks in nearly 40 years in Switzerland, with Pakistan and Qatar facilitating the diplomatic process.

Key Participants

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Field Marshal Asim Munir
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
US Vice President J.D. Vance, who led the American delegation

Talks Stalled After Military Escalation

After the initial meeting in Switzerland, a second round of negotiations was held in Doha. A third round was scheduled to take place in Islamabad but was postponed after both countries launched military strikes against each other, bringing the diplomatic process to a standstill.

Washington and Tehran later accused each other of violating the memorandum and announced that negotiations could not continue under those circumstances.

Diplomacy Still on the Table

US President Donald Trump recently claimed that Iran is now more serious about negotiations and that diplomacy deserves another opportunity.

Iran, however, maintains that the United States violated the agreement by launching attacks first and holds Washington responsible for the suspension of talks.

Despite its criticism, Tehran has reiterated that it remains willing to resolve the dispute through diplomacy while insisting that it will not negotiate under threats or pressure.

Key Takeaways

Iran has reportedly informed Pakistan that it is ready to resume talks with the United States.
Geneva, Doha, and Islamabad have been proposed as possible venues.
Iran wants negotiations to proceed in three stages: Strait of Hormuz, frozen assets, and the nuclear program.
Tehran rejects plans for any new corridor bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Both countries continue to blame each other for the collapse of previous negotiations but still indicate a willingness to pursue diplomacy.

Conclusion

If the reported message to Pakistan is accurate, it suggests that Iran is seeking to revive diplomatic engagement through the existing Islamabad framework rather than launching a new negotiation process. Although significant differences remain between Washington and Tehran, both sides appear to recognize that diplomacy remains the most viable path toward easing tensions.