The second phase of US-Iran negotiations is expected to begin within days, with Pakistani officials saying technical talks between Washington and Tehran cannot be postponed despite the cancellation of a planned signing ceremony in Switzerland.
Foreign Office officials said the agreement between the United States and Iran has already been signed, removing the need for a separate ceremony and allowing both sides to move toward the next stage of negotiations.
According to Foreign Office officials in Islamabad, the US-Iran technical talks are imminent and cannot be delayed.
Officials said the second phase of negotiations could begin within the next couple of days as both countries move forward with implementing the recently signed agreement.
The second round of broader talks is expected to take place after Muharram, officials added.
Agreement already signed, officials say
Foreign Office officials explained that there was no longer any justification for holding the planned event in Switzerland because the agreement had already been signed.
According to officials, the original plan was for the agreement to be signed in Switzerland by US Vice President JD Vance, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
However, the process changed after the agreement was signed at a higher level.
Officials said the agreement's signing framework was upgraded after US President Donald Trump signed the document. Following Trump's signature, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also signed the agreement electronically.
Foreign Office sources said this development elevated the level of participation and effectively removed the need for the previously planned Swiss signing ceremony.
Switzerland ceremony no longer required
The agreement had initially been scheduled for formal signing in Switzerland.
Officials said the Swiss event was designed to bring together senior representatives from the United States, Iran and Pakistan to finalize the accord.
However, once the presidents and prime minister signed the agreement electronically, the planned gathering in Switzerland became unnecessary.
With the agreement now in effect, attention is shifting toward implementation and the next phase of diplomatic engagement.
Foreign Office officials emphasized that the technical talks between the United States and Iran remain on track and are expected to begin shortly.
The upcoming negotiations will focus on advancing the agreement and addressing issues that require detailed technical discussions between both sides.
Ishaq Dar to visit Egypt
Meanwhile, Foreign Office officials confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will leave for Egypt on Saturday. No further details regarding the purpose of the visit were immediately provided.
The announcement comes as Pakistan continues to play a diplomatic role in efforts related to the US-Iran agreement and broader regional stability.
Pakistan continues diplomatic engagement
The latest developments underscore Pakistan’s continued involvement in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Officials maintained that the agreement has entered its implementation phase and that the next stage of talks is approaching rapidly.
With technical discussions expected to begin within days and a second round of negotiations planned after Muharram, diplomatic efforts are set to continue in the coming weeks.
