Islamabad, August 12, 2026: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is visiting Iran to discuss regional security, stability and bilateral matters as Pakistan intensifies diplomatic efforts to facilitate the resumption of US-Iran negotiations and promote peace in the region.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said during a weekly media briefing that Naqvi was holding meetings with senior Iranian leadership during his visit, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to sources, Naqvi also conveyed a special message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to the Iranian president.
“He is discussing bilateral relations, security, regional security and stability, and constructive engagement amongst the parties in the region and regional developments,” Andrabi said.
The FO spokesperson said Pakistan was making “all-out efforts” to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table and build on the Islamabad memorandum of understanding to help pave the way for peace and stability.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to “offset spoilers using direct and indirect channels” while supporting constructive dialogue aimed at resolving outstanding issues.
Pakistan and Qatar have been playing key mediating roles amid the continuing Middle East conflict, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28.
Naqvi’s visit comes amid renewed tensions involving US and Houthi attacks on shipping, further complicating diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Tehran has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Washington accepts its conditions.
The developments have raised concerns over the security of two critical maritime chokepoints — the Gulf of Oman leading to the Strait of Hormuz and the entrance to the Red Sea — which are vital to global oil supplies and international shipping.
However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that the United States and Iran appeared to be moving closer to an agreement. Qatar, another key mediator, has also said talks concerning the management of the Strait of Hormuz were at an advanced stage.
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Asif said recent signals suggested that the sides were again moving towards a possible peace arrangement or agreement.
Pakistan condemns Houthi attack killing Pakistani nationals
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned a Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea that killed at least three Pakistani nationals and injured another.
In a post on X, Dar said Pakistan strongly condemned the attack on the non-combatant commercial ship, describing such attacks as a threat to innocent lives, international law, freedom of navigation and maritime security.
The deputy prime minister said the government was in contact with the relevant Saudi authorities and the internationally recognised government of Yemen to ascertain further details about the incident.
Dar also directed the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh to coordinate with the concerned authorities and take all necessary measures for the retrieval and repatriation of the deceased Pakistanis’ mortal remains and provide all possible assistance to the injured national.
Pakistan has continued to advocate diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolution of regional disputes, while seeking to play a constructive role in efforts aimed at reducing tensions and restoring stability in the wider Middle East.
