Pakistan Iran talks in Tehran focus on regional security and supporting a ceasefire

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on Sunday. The talks covered regional security, recent hostilities, and steps to support a fragile ceasefire. Reports said Naqvi’s visit also linked to efforts for dialogue during tensions involving Iran and the United States.

Representative image

Naqvi reached Tehran on Saturday for a two-day visit and was received by Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. The visit was described as unscheduled. It came as Pakistan kept diplomatic contacts active to help revive direct talks between Iran and the United States after months of conflict and failed negotiations.

Iran-Pakistan talks on ceasefire and regional security

The Express Tribune, citing Iran’s state news agency, said Naqvi held high-level talks with Pezeshkian in Tehran. A Pakistani embassy statement said Naqvi spent nearly 90 minutes in a private meeting. It said the meeting took place at the Presidential Administration. It added the full visit to the complex lasted around three hours.

During the meeting, Pezeshkian praised what was described as the responsible corporation of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq. Pezeshkian said these states helped stop their territories being used for armed action against Iran. Pezeshkian said unity among Islamic nations supported peace. Pezeshkian also warned against outside interference, including "adventurism by extra-regional powers and the Israeli regime\".

Pezeshkian also commended Pakistan’s diplomacy during the recent tensions. The statement said this included support for ceasefire stabilisation efforts. \"President Pezeshkian highly commended the active diplomacy of the Pakistani government-particularly Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir-in facilitating and stabilising the recent ceasefire, the statement said.\"

Naqvi told Pezeshkian that Pakistan stayed engaged in diplomacy to reduce escalation and end hostilities. Naqvi said recent events clarified regional alignments and set a baseline for future strategic choices. The talks also covered broader regional developments. Pezeshkian condemned recent military actions against Iran and called them unlawful.

Pezeshkian said the military actions were meant to destabilise Iran, but had failed. Pezeshkian linked that outcome to national unity and resilience. Pezeshkian said the main aim of adversaries was to stir domestic instability. Pezeshkian added that the goal was to dismantle the Islamic system.

Iran-Pakistan ties and trade cooperation

On ties between the two countries, Pezeshkian said Iran wanted wider trade and stronger academic links. Pezeshkian also raised scientific cooperation. Pezeshkian said recent developments created an ideal chance to deepen relations. Naqvi pointed to historical, cultural, and grassroots links, and said political will could lift cooperation.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also attended the meeting. Momeni was present as well. Momeni praised what was described as Pakistan’s constructive role in regional peace. This also included efforts attributed to Pakistan’s military leadership. Naqvi’s meetings were part of reviews of fast-changing regional developments.

Pakistan mediation on US-Iran conflict

On Saturday, Naqvi and Momeni reaffirmed a commitment to strengthen bilateral engagement. They also discussed shared regional challenges. Reports said Pakistan continued efforts to mediate between Tehran and Washington amid wider tensions. The visit was described as taking place at a critical time for regional diplomacy.

Separately, Dawn reported, citing Iran’s IRNA news agency, that Naqvi also met Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. No more details of the meeting have been provided. In another development, Iranian envoy to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts, Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said.

In a post on X, Khan said, \"Iranian Ambassador called upon, appreciated Pakistans role in mediating and facilitating the parties to solve the current conflict.\" The comments came alongside reports of Naqvi’s Tehran meetings with Iranian leaders. Pakistan’s engagement remained focused on reducing tensions and supporting dialogue in the region.

With inputs from PTI