Pak Minister Visits Iran Amid US Mediation Bid

Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has visited Iran to discuss bilateral relations, security, and regional stability, as part of Pakistan's efforts to mediate between the US and Iran. Naqvi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran to follow up on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The visit aimed to revive Pakistan's mediation efforts between Iran and the US, which have remained largely dormant. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the US and Iran are close to 'some sort of an arrangement'.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide commended Pakistan's important and constructive role in the US-Iran conflict during his visit to Pakistan on August 13-14. Eide praised Pakistan's efforts to promote peace and expressed Norway's desire to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Pakistan and Norway reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagements in areas of defence and security. The two countries discussed avenues for further expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, climate change, renewable energy, education, and people-to-people contacts.

The mediation efforts come amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz being a key point of contention. Pakistan's role in promoting peace in the region has been appreciated by Norway, with Eide acknowledging the professional role of Pakistan Armed Forces in promoting regional peace and stability.

## What happens next The outcome of Naqvi's visit to Iran and the progress of the US-Iran talks remain to be seen. However, Pakistan's efforts to mediate between the two countries have been recognized by Norway, and the country's commitment to promoting peace in the region is likely to continue.

## Background The US-Iran conflict has been ongoing for several years, with tensions escalating in recent months. Pakistan has been trying to mediate between the two countries, with the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding being a key framework for resolution. The visit by Naqvi to Iran is a significant development in this context, and the outcome of the talks will be closely watched by the international community.