Islamabad: Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed anticipation for progress from Iran to help reduce regional tensions. Naqvi made these remarks during a meeting with US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad, which was announced by the Interior Ministry on the US social media platform X.
According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting focused on the regional situation and ongoing diplomatic efforts toward the anticipated second round of Islamabad talks. Naqvi welcomed US President Donald Trump's extension of the ceasefire, viewing it as a positive step towards easing tensions. He emphasized the importance of progress from Iran's side and highlighted the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to achieve a lasting solution, urging all parties to prioritize diplomacy and peaceful resolution.
In a separate development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong regarding bilateral ties and the Middle East situation. The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement noting that Pakistan's peace efforts were also a topic of discussion, though no date was specified for the second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad. Ambassador Jiang assured Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar of Beijing's full support for Pakistan's ongoing efforts to facilitate US-Iran engagement for regional peace and stability.
The backdrop to these diplomatic efforts includes a joint US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28, aimed at eliminating perceived threats and dismantling Iran's nuclear program. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets, and blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil and LNG shipping. Pakistan brokered a truce on April 8, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11, which ended without an agreement. Another round of talks is anticipated this week in the Pakistani capital.
President Trump extended the ceasefire on Tuesday to allow Iran time to formulate a "unified proposal," following a request from Pakistani officials. Trump also indicated that Pakistan-mediated talks with Iran could be "possible within 36-72 hours."