Focus turns to technical talks after US-Iran accord takes effect

ISLAMABAD: Attention has shifted to expert-level negotiations between the United States and Iran after their agreement formally came into force and implementation began following electronic signatures.

According to a report by The Express Tribune, Pakistani officials are describing the development as a major diplomatic success, saying Islamabad helped pull both sides back from a worsening crisis and put in place a structured path for reconciliation and implementation. Pakistan’s role went beyond facilitation and was central to shaping a common framework for de-escalation and the next stage of engagement.

With the agreement now in effect, the process is moving from political-level contacts to technical negotiations between American and Iranian experts. These discussions are expected to proceed on separate but linked tracks, including sanctions relief, maritime security arrangements, nuclear-related issues and wider regional assurances intended to support stability.

Officials said the framework developed in Islamabad has created a mechanism for managing disputes, but the next phase will require sustained engagement at the expert level to convert the political understanding into practical arrangements step by step.

The electronic signing of the accord removed the need for a formal ceremony in Switzerland. As a result, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s planned visit to the country was cancelled, while the Pakistani diplomatic delegation that had travelled to Geneva began preparations to return.

Diplomatic sources said the development highlighted the effectiveness of the backchannel process and underscored Pakistan’s continuing role during the transition from agreement to implementation. One source was quoted as saying Pakistan "has done what few thought possible," by helping contain the crisis and securing agreement between both sides on a coherent way forward.

The upcoming stage will be handled through technical diplomatic channels, where the detailed modalities of the memorandum of understanding are to be worked out gradually.