Pakistan Mediates as US-Iran Tensions Escalate with Mutual Threats
Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate soaring tensions between the United States and Iran, sending Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Tehran for the second time in a week. The visit aims to resuscitate negotiations and break a deadlock as the two sides trade fresh threats, imperiling a fragile ceasefire. Naqvi reportedly carried a “crucial message” for the Iranian leadership, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
While Pakistan relays messages between Washington and Tehran, diplomatic sources say progress is impeded by differences over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns. The mediation is further complicated by underlying strains, with Tehran viewing Pakistan through its close ties to Gulf states and the US, while Islamabad has noted Iran’s engagement with India. Naqvi’s high-profile visits have also fuelled speculation that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir may soon travel to Iran.
The diplomatic push comes as US President Donald Trump declared that negotiations are in their “final stages.” However, he also issued a stark warning, threatening to “do some things that are a little bit nasty” if a deal is not reached within a “limited timeframe.” Stating that American forces were “ready to go,” Trump said any agreement would require “complete, 100 per cent good answers” from Tehran.
Iran has responded with a mix of caution and defiance. While President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that “all paths remain open from our side” to avert war, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any renewed aggression would lead to a conflict that would “extend beyond the region.” Other officials reiterated the “inherent and enduring untrustworthiness of the United States,” vowing that Iran is prepared for every scenario and has “many more surprises” in store.
Pakistan’s mediation has garnered cautious backing from regional powers. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud publicly appreciated the efforts and urged Iran to seize the opportunity for a comprehensive agreement. He also praised President Trump for “giving diplomacy a chance.” Similarly, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told Trump in a call that he welcomed the ceasefire extension and believed a reasonable solution was possible.
