Pak minister Naqvi to visit Tehran; Iran says talks to focus on bilateral ties

Islamabad - Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is set to travel to Tehran on Sunday for high-level talks with Iranian officials, according to media reports. The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the West Asia region, including the conflict between the US and Iran, as well as the ongoing fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the purpose of Naqvi's visit would be to focus on bilateral relations and follow-up on prior understandings between the two countries, as reported by IRIB. No specific mediation message is planned for the meeting.

Baghaei also mentioned that one of Pakistan's economic ministers may accompany Naqvi during the visit, though the specific details have not been disclosed. The timing of Naqvi's visit is crucial due to the recent escalation of fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthis, which has raised concerns over the security of Saudi energy infrastructure and vital shipping routes in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Pakistan has been acting as a key mediator between Iran and the US to revive stalled negotiations, as the two parties signed an interim peace agreement in June. However, the process was disrupted in July due to military escalations by both sides. The Strait of Hormuz, which was blocked, remains a significant sticking point, as approximately 20% of global energy supplies passed through it during peacetime.

Baghaei noted that Pakistan could utilize Naqvi's visit to raise regional issues, but there has been no discussion so far about the minister carrying any specific US message or proposal. The main focus of the visit will be to follow up on previous understandings between Islamabad and Tehran, particularly decisions made at the leadership level. Naqvi is expected to meet senior Iranian officials during his visit to discuss bilateral relations and other matters of mutual interest.