It has been reported that Pakistan has taken on a more visible mediation role in indirect contacts between Iran and the US. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who traveled to the capital Tehran, conveyed messages from Pakistan's Chief of General Staff Asim Munir to the Iranian leader. The visit was not merely about delivering messages but also aimed at seeking a concrete consensus.
Naqvi's visit is considered part of Islamabad's increasingly intense chain of contacts between the two sides. It was reported that Naqvi first met with his Iranian counterpart in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, then returned to Pakistan to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore and Asim Munir in Rawalpindi.
Frozen assets become a key topic
The message delivered to Iran was described as private and significant, containing ideas about Iran's frozen assets abroad and the release of these funds. On the Pakistani side, this topic was seen as an indication of whether progress was being made in other areas between Washington and Tehran.
The report emphasized that the main issue centered on the mechanism through which Iran's funds would be released. It was noted that Pakistan has evolved from merely being a channel for message exchange to becoming a mediator attempting to offer solutions.
Ongoing contacts in capitals
Evaluations from Islamabad recalled that Pakistan's foreign ministry recently confirmed ongoing message exchanges between Washington and Tehran. This was interpreted as evidence that mediation has not been interrupted and that mutual proposals remain on the table.
From Tehran's perspective, Naqvi's return visit indicated that unresolved issues remain. The talks were described as aiming to overcome the final obstacles in the draft agreement.
Three critical issues stand out
The report identified one of the most debated files as the ceasefire formula in Lebanon. Iran views this issue as part of a broader framework for consensus.
The second issue concerns Iran's frozen assets and the timing and method of their transfer to the country. The third issue involves the future of the Strait of Hormuz and lifting restrictions on Iranian ports.
These three topics are considered the main challenges to be resolved through Pakistan's mediation. Naqvi's visit aimed to establish a channel through which both sides could communicate more directly and simultaneously.
Decision-making process continues in Iran
In Tehran, the draft agreement is circulating among relevant institutions and is under evaluation. The Iranian National Security Council is highlighted as the final decision-making authority, with the matter being discussed at high-level meetings.
It was noted that a two-thirds majority within the council is required for the decision to take effect. Therefore, the upcoming hours are critical in determining whether Pakistan's mediation will yield concrete results.
Tensions persist on the Washington front
While diplomatic contacts continue on the US side, tensions on the ground remain. The US Central Command announced it shot down two Iranian drones allegedly threatening maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Washington administration stated it will continue to protect international maritime traffic and remain vigilant against threats. Despite the activity on the ground, American officials maintain that the negotiation channel has not completely closed.
The US administration conveyed that the possibility of an agreement is still alive and that the decision now rests with Iran. Washington expects progress by the weekend, although this has not yet materialized.
Recent contacts continue search for a solution
It was noted that a day earlier, Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni also met with Naqvi in Tehran as part of efforts to revive negotiations. Naqvi's schedule also includes a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Thus, Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic efforts have brought renewed attention to the search for a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions on both the Tehran and Washington fronts. At the center of the issue are frozen Iranian assets, regional security topics, and the technical details of a possible agreement.