Naqvi Meets US Envoy, Discusses Second Round of Talks
PM Shehbaz, COAS Munir making “full efforts at every level” to resolve Iran war, Naqvi tells US envoy
A high-level meeting was held between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the United States Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker, where both sides engaged in an in-depth discussion on the evolving diplomatic situation surrounding the anticipated second round of talks between the United States and Iran.
According to an official statement issued by the Interior Ministry, the meeting focused extensively on recent regional developments, particularly the fragile security environment in the Middle East. Both officials emphasized the critical importance of sustained diplomatic engagement as a means to ensure long-term regional stability and to prevent further escalation of tensions.
During the discussion, Mohsin Naqvi praised the initiative taken by US President Donald Trump to extend the ongoing ceasefire. He described the move as a “welcome development,” highlighting that it represents a meaningful step toward de-escalation and creates space for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s optimism regarding the ongoing diplomatic process and expressed hope that Iran would respond positively in the upcoming negotiations. He also underscored Pakistan’s proactive role in facilitating peace, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir are making comprehensive efforts at all levels to support dialogue and resolve the crisis.
He further stressed that both sides—the United States and Iran—should seize this opportunity to pursue a diplomatic and peaceful solution rather than resorting to confrontation.
In response, Natalie Baker appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and responsible approach in promoting regional peace. She acknowledged Islamabad’s role as a key mediator and commended its continued efforts to facilitate communication and conflict resolution between Washington and Tehran.
This meeting comes at a crucial time when diplomatic efforts are intensifying to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran, with Pakistan playing a central mediating role. Reports suggest that the second round of talks could take place as early as Friday. According to a report by New York Post, President Donald Trump indicated that discussions might be held in Islamabad within the next 36 to 72 hours.
Earlier, Trump had extended a two-week truce just as it was nearing expiration, stating that the extension was intended to provide additional time for peace talks facilitated by Pakistan. While Iran welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts, it did not directly comment on Trump’s announcement.
Despite the extension of the ceasefire, tensions remain high. The US president made it clear that the United States Navy would continue its blockade of Iranian maritime trade—an action that Iran considers equivalent to an act of war.
Iran has responded firmly, declaring that it will not reopen the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz as long as the US naval blockade remains in place. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized that a ceasefire cannot be considered genuine if it is undermined by continued military pressure such as a naval blockade. He warned that reopening the Strait under such conditions would not be possible.
Background of the Conflict
The current Middle East crisis began on February 28, when a large-scale and unexpected military operation was launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, despite ongoing negotiations at the time.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire eventually came into effect on April 8, paving the way for the first round of direct talks between the two sides. These negotiations were held in Islamabad and lasted approximately 21 hours.
The meeting marked a historic moment, as it was the first direct engagement between US and Iranian officials in more than a decade, and the highest-level contact since the Iranian Revolution.
During the initial round of talks, delegations were led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The discussions covered several critical issues, including the future of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme, and the possibility of easing international sanctions imposed on Tehran.
As the second round of negotiations approaches, global attention remains focused on whether diplomatic efforts will succeed in easing tensions and paving the way for lasting peace in the region.