ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran, stepping once again into sensitive space between Washington and Tehran. His visit comes as efforts to restart stalled US–Iran talks continue behind closed doors, with Islamabad increasingly positioning itself as a bridge between the two rivals.
Naqvi made unexpected high-profile visit to Tehran, triggering fresh diplomatic attention as regional tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and US-Iran relations continue to simmer.
Reports shared in Iranian media said Naqvi arrived in Iranian capital on unannounced trip and is scheduled to meet senior Iranian officials, including his counterpart and other top leadership figures. The discussions are expected to focus on bilateral ties as well as wider regional developments, according to sources cited by Iran’s IRNA news agency. While Pakistani government officials confirmed the visit, the Interior Ministry spokesperson insisted the trip had been planned earlier, though no additional details were provided.
This marks Naqvi’s second visit to Iran in just two months, underscoring an unusually active diplomatic channel between Islamabad and Tehran at a sensitive geopolitical moment.
His previous visit last month was even more significant, as he traveled alongside Pakistan’s top military leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, for high-level talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. During those discussions, Iran reportedly acknowledged Pakistan’s growing role in facilitating communication between Tehran and Washington.
Behind the scenes, Pakistan increasingly positioned itself as a quiet but crucial intermediary between the United States and Iran, helping to manage backchannel diplomacy following a recent escalation earlier this year. Islamabad has also supported ceasefire efforts and facilitated indirect contacts aimed at reviving stalled negotiations.
Diplomatic sources said that while communication channels remain active through Pakistan, deep divisions continue to block progress, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran signaled openness to broader, separate negotiations and has even indicated willingness for a temporary pause in uranium enrichment. However, it continues to reject long-term restrictions demanded by Washington, keeping tensions unresolved.
Despite these sticking points, Pakistan has expressed cautious optimism that diplomatic engagement will continue, even as a final agreement to formally defuse the crisis remains out of reach.
Pakistan Interior Minister Naqvi lands in Iran ahead of Arbaeen Pilgrimage
