Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has embarked on a visit to Tehran to engage in high-level discussions with senior Iranian officials aimed at progressing the ongoing peace negotiations between Iran and the United States. This diplomatic mission follows a significant phone call on Thursday between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, marking the first official contact since the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
During the conversation, PM Sharif extended his congratulations to the Iranian leadership, highlighting that the positive results of the agreement are expected to act as a strong catalyst for regional stability and cooperation.
In a notable development, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that Naqvi’s visit is intended to monitor and support the progress of the US–Iran peace talks. Since Pakistan took on the role of primary mediator following the outbreak of conflict in February triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Naqvi has made several trips to Tehran to maintain diplomatic momentum.
On his previous visit on June 7, the interior minister held bilateral meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. Meanwhile, US media outlet Axios has revealed that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi are scheduled to meet in Switzerland, signaling a revival of the Swiss negotiation track.
This renewed diplomatic activity coincides with a ceasefire agreement reached late Friday between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has reinvigorated efforts to transform a temporary war truce into a lasting regional accord.
The peace talks in Switzerland had been briefly postponed on Friday due to escalations in southern Lebanon, creating some uncertainty about the next steps after the June 18 Islamabad MoU. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed his hopes for smooth progress and successful outcomes in the upcoming negotiation phase.
The Islamabad agreement includes key provisions such as the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing international sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and initiating a 60-day period dedicated to negotiating a comprehensive settlement on Iran’s nuclear program.
Pakistan continues to play a crucial role in facilitating these backchannel communications, coordinating its diplomatic efforts with important regional stakeholders including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, and China, to support a peaceful resolution in the region.
