Pakistan steps up Iran-US mediation efforts

Pakistan intensified its diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed conflict between Iran and the United States as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a series of high-level meetings in Tehran aimed at breaking the deadlock in ongoing negotiations.

Naqvi arrived in the Iranian capital on an unannounced visit and met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Presidential Palace. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi also attended the discussions.

According to diplomatic sources, the Pakistani delegation is attempting to persuade both Tehran and Washington to continue diplomatic engagement despite growing differences over conditions for ending the conflict. Reports suggest that Iran and the US remain divided on several critical issues, including sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets, the future of Iran’s nuclear facilities and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

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Iran has reportedly demanded the lifting of sanctions, compensation for war-related losses and recognition of its sovereignty over the strategic waterway. Meanwhile, Washington is said to have sought restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme and the transfer of enriched uranium.

During the visit, Naqvi also met Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Although no official details of the meetings were disclosed, officials believe Pakistan is acting as a mediator to prevent further escalation in the region.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to discuss regional developments and ongoing peace efforts.

Both leaders stressed the importance of continued dialogue and coordination among regional stakeholders to support stability and avoid another round of hostilities in the Middle East.