Pakistan-linked preparations for possible U.S.-Iran talks appear to have advanced, with officials saying relevant departments met in Islamabad on May 7 to prepare for potential negotiations and an agreement signing ceremony. Military, police and other officials also reportedly met in Rawalpindi to discuss security for talks that could take place next week. These details add operational planning and possible timing to the earlier report, cited by Xinhua, that quiet Pakistan-mediated talks between the United States and Iran were showing signs of progress.