Published : 26 Aug 2026, 06:51 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:35 AM
Pakistan’s top military and interior officials have concluded a day-long visit to Tehran, holding talks with Iran’s senior political and security leaders on reviving diplomacy between Tehran and Washington and addressing wider regional tensions, the Tehran Times reported.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said discussions centred on the Iran-US conflict, the West Asia crisis and efforts to restore the Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by US President Donald Trump and Iran on Jun 17.
“Our discussion focused on the Iran-US conflict, tensions in the Middle East, the way forward, and the steps needed by both sides for the restoration of the Islamabad MoU,” he was quoted as saying by the Tehran Times on Monday.
The developments show a stark contradiction in Washington’s Iran policy – while the Trump administration intensifies sanctions, it is simultaneously relying on Islamabad to help revive negotiations.
Naqvi described the talks as constructive, saying Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had openly outlined Tehran’s concerns.
“The Iranian President candidly shared his government’s perspective and concerns, and we had a very constructive exchange on the issues involved. Significant progress was made, and the meeting concluded on a highly positive note.”
According to the Tehran Times, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Naqvi met Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and senior security officials.
Iranian presidential official Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei called Munir’s visit “highly productive” and said its diplomatic results would become apparent soon.
Pezeshkian urged Washington to abandon coercion, warning that pressure would complicate implementation of the MoU.
“The United States must correct its tone and approach in interacting with Iran,” the news outlet quoted the president as saying. “Relying on coercion and bullying will only make the implementation process more complicated.”
The Tehran Times reported that Iranian officials also expressed deep scepticism toward Washington.
Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Mohsen Rezaei and Qalibaf stressed that the US must fulfil its commitments under the MoU.
“The commitments made by both sides under the memorandum of understanding are clear. It was the United States’ failure to honor its commitments that undermined regional stability and gave us yet another reason not to trust Washington,” Qalibaf was quoted as saying.
The diplomatic push comes as Washington announced a fresh economic offensive against Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled “Operation Economic Outcast”, warning that countries and financial institutions facilitating Iran-related transactions could face secondary sanctions.
China rejected the US approach, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian opposing "illegal unilateral sanctions" and pledging "all necessary measures" to protect China’s interests.
Qatar similarly backed mediation efforts.
Tehran, meanwhile, has signalled that it remains open to diplomacy but rejects negotiations conducted under pressure or intimidation.
