Pakistan and Iran made "significant progress" in talks that focused on the US-Israeli war on Iran and a path to peace, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said in a social media post on Tuesday. He said Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir and he had a very positive and productive meeting with the President of Iran. “Our discussion focused on the Iran US conflict, tensions in the Middle East and the way forward, as well as the steps needed by both sides for restoration of the Islamabad MoU thereby leading to comprehensive settlement of the conflict.” 

Naqvi said the Iranian President candidly shared his government’s perspective and concerns, and “we had a very constructive exchange on the issues involved”. “Significant progress was made, and the meeting concluded on a highly positive note. We remain hopeful that this momentum will help pave the way for further progress and lasting peace in the region,” he concluded. Field Marshal Asim Munir has concluded a day-long visit to Iran alongside Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, as part of Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to break the deadlock in the ongoing US-Iran conflict and advance efforts towards lasting peace and regional stability, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday.

According to the military’s media wing, the two officials held a series of high-level meetings in Tehran focused on preventing further escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and bringing the conflict to an end. Field Marshal Munir met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme Leader's representative on the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. The discussions also covered regional peace and possible ways to reach a negotiated settlement to the disputes, the statement said. 

The Iranian leadership appreciated Pakistan's constructive role and sincere efforts to facilitate dialogue, de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict, according to the statement. Pakistan seeks lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and is focused on supporting peaceful efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. The visit comes amid Pakistan’s continued mediation efforts between Iran and the United States under the Islamabad MoU. Pakistan has said the agreement provides a framework for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of outstanding issues. The recent visit to Iran comes amid heightened tensions, with Tehran threatening a military response to planned US sanctions that could further strain its already troubled economy. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)