Islamabad: Pakistan says it has made significant progress in talks with Iran as it tries to help reduce tensions and find a peaceful way forward in the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The latest discussions took place in Tehran and brought together senior Pakistani and Iranian officials at a time when diplomatic efforts are receiving renewed attention. Pakistan has been trying to use its relationship with both Iran and the United States to encourage dialogue and prevent the conflict from becoming wider and more dangerous.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the discussions as productive and said progress had been made. The talks focused on ways to stop the situation from getting worse, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and create conditions for an end to the fighting.
The visit was also significant because Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, took part in the high level discussions in Tehran. He met senior Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials. The meetings were aimed at understanding Iran’s position and exploring possible ways to bring the sides back to negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz was one of the most important issues discussed. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a major route for international energy supplies. Any prolonged disruption could have serious consequences for oil markets and countries that depend on energy shipments from the Gulf.
For Pakistan, the situation is particularly important. A prolonged regional conflict could affect energy prices, trade and economic stability. Islamabad therefore has a strong interest in preventing the fighting from spreading and keeping important trade routes open.
Pakistan’s diplomatic role has become more prominent as direct efforts between Iran and the United States have faced difficulties. Pakistani officials have previously attempted to help establish communication between Washington and Tehran. The latest effort comes after earlier diplomatic arrangements failed to produce a lasting settlement.
Before the Tehran visit, Pakistan’s military leadership was also in contact with the United States. The discussions reportedly included the possibility of Pakistan using its influence with Iran to encourage a return to negotiations.
However, despite the positive language coming from Pakistan, the situation remains uncertain. The United States has continued to increase economic pressure on Iran through new sanctions targeting people, companies and vessels connected to the Iranian economy. Tehran has strongly criticised the measures and warned that it would respond to continued pressure.
This creates a difficult environment for Pakistan’s mediation efforts. While Islamabad is speaking about progress and dialogue, Washington and Tehran remain divided over major issues. Years of mistrust between the two countries have made it difficult to reach agreements that both sides are prepared to accept.
Iran has also raised concerns about previous commitments made during earlier diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials have accused the United States of failing to honour understandings reached through previous negotiations. Washington, meanwhile, continues to demand changes in Iran’s policies and has maintained pressure on Tehran.
The situation around the Strait of Hormuz adds another layer of urgency. Any serious interruption to shipping through the waterway could affect global energy supplies and increase prices. Asian economies could be particularly exposed because many depend heavily on oil and other energy products transported through the region.
Pakistan now faces the difficult task of turning the reported progress in Tehran into practical diplomatic results. The country has an opportunity to act as a bridge between Iran and the United States, but the differences between the two sides remain substantial.
For now, the Tehran talks offer a cautious sign that diplomacy is still possible. Pakistan says the discussions have moved forward, while Iran has continued to engage with the Pakistani initiative. But there is no confirmed comprehensive peace agreement or lasting ceasefire yet.
The coming days will show whether Pakistan can build on the latest discussions and persuade the wider parties to return to serious negotiations. For a region facing continued tension, even limited diplomatic progress could provide an important opening for reducing the risk of further escalation.