ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s diplomatic push to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran gathered momentum as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker to review progress toward a second round of talks.
According to the interior ministry, both sides held detailed discussions on the evolving situation and the importance of sustained diplomacy to stabilize the region. The meeting comes at a critical juncture, with efforts underway to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table.
Naqvi welcomed the decision by US President Donald Trump to extend the ceasefire, describing it as a positive step toward de-escalation. He emphasized that Pakistan’s leadership including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir is actively engaged at multiple levels to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
He expressed hope that both Washington and Tehran would prioritize dialogue over confrontation. In response, Baker acknowledged Pakistan’s role, praising its constructive approach in encouraging negotiations and reducing regional tensions.
Reports suggest that a second round of US-Iran talks could take place soon, possibly in Islamabad, following the initial round earlier this month. That first engagement marked a rare direct interaction between the two sides one of the most significant since the Iranian Revolution—and focused on key issues such as sanctions, Iran’s nuclear program, and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the ceasefire extension, challenges remain. The US has maintained a naval blockade, which Iran views as a violation of the truce. Iranian officials have insisted that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on the removal of such measures, underscoring the fragile nature of the current pause in hostilities.
With tensions still high, Pakistan’s mediation efforts continue to be central, as both sides weigh whether diplomacy can deliver a lasting breakthrough.
