Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on Saturday to deliver a significant message from Pakistan’s top leadership to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, marking a crucial step in Islamabad’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to mediate the US-Iran conflict. During his visit, Naqvi held discussions with senior Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Upon arrival, Naqvi informed reporters that he was carrying a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir addressed to Khamenei. The message was handed over earlier in the day during a meeting with Araghchi, with images showing Naqvi presenting a sealed brown envelope to the Iranian foreign minister.
This diplomatic exchange occurs amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, where recent retaliatory attacks have threatened the fragile ceasefire established on April 8. Since the outbreak of hostilities in late February, Pakistan has played a pivotal role as a mediator between the two nations.
The conflict began on February 28 when coordinated strikes were launched on Iran by the US and Iran responded with attacks on Israel and US bases across the region, including the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Although the ceasefire has largely held, sporadic exchanges of fire continue, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
In a significant development, the US-Israel conflict with Iran has now entered its 100th day. The US Central Command reported shooting down two Iranian drones that posed threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, following strikes on additional drones and radar installations. Meanwhile, Tehran launched missile attacks on US allies Bahrain and Kuwait, provoking strong condemnation from the Gulf states.
Iran’s foreign ministry criticized the US strikes as blatant violations and condemned Washington’s provocative actions. Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, reiterated Tehran’s demand for the release of approximately $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets. However, Washington appears poised to allocate these funds to aid Gulf allies in repairing damage caused by Iranian attacks, with the US Treasury prepared to use all available means to facilitate this support.
