Islamabad: Pakistan is stepping up diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions between the United States and Iran as fragile peace talks continue amid fears of another major conflict in the Middle East.
Senior Pakistani officials have been actively involved in discussions with leaders in Tehran and Washington in recent days, hoping to narrow differences that continue to block a final agreement between the two sides. The latest round of diplomacy comes after weeks of uncertainty following the ceasefire announced in April, which temporarily halted military escalation between the United States and Iran.
According to reports, Pakistani Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi travelled to Tehran this week to deliver messages between the two countries. During his visit, he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Pakistan’s military leadership is also believed to be involved in quiet diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing another confrontation in the region.
Pakistan has repeatedly presented itself as a neutral country willing to support dialogue instead of conflict. Officials in Islamabad believe that continued fighting or military threats would create serious instability not only in the Middle East but also across Asia. The country has maintained communication with both Washington and Tehran since tensions sharply increased earlier this year.
Despite ongoing discussions, several important disagreements remain unresolved. One of the biggest disputes is over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. The United States wants strict controls and demands that highly enriched uranium either be removed from Iran or destroyed. Iranian leaders have strongly rejected that demand, insisting the material is needed for peaceful nuclear and medical purposes.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has reportedly ordered that the uranium must remain inside the country under Iranian control. Tehran has also demanded guarantees that future military attacks will not happen again. Iranian officials are further seeking relief from international sanctions and access to frozen financial assets as part of any long term settlement.
United States President Donald Trump has continued to maintain pressure on Iran during the negotiations. He warned this week that military action could return if diplomacy fails. Trump also criticised Iran’s proposal to charge fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of concern during the crisis because a large share of the world’s oil exports passes through the narrow waterway. Shipping activity in the region has slowed in recent weeks due to security fears, raising concerns in global energy markets. Oil prices have remained unstable as investors closely monitor developments in the peace talks.
Although tensions remain high, there are signs that both countries still want negotiations to continue. Iranian officials have indicated that the latest American proposals may have reduced some differences, though they admit major obstacles still remain.
Diplomats familiar with the discussions say Pakistan’s involvement has helped keep communication channels open at a time when direct contact between Washington and Tehran remains extremely sensitive. Islamabad previously hosted earlier rounds of indirect talks, though those meetings ended without a breakthrough.
Political analysts say Pakistan’s role reflects its growing diplomatic importance in regional affairs. The country shares close ties with both the United States and Iran and has tried to balance those relationships carefully during the crisis.
For now, no final agreement has been reached, and officials on all sides remain cautious. However, continued talks and diplomatic outreach have raised hopes that a wider regional conflict may still be avoided through negotiation rather than military action.