Pakistan and Iran Hold Second Security Meeting as Middle East Tensions Escalate

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday that he met with Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni to address the escalating Middle East security crisis, as diplomatic initiatives to revive stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations face ongoing deadlock.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) ministerial meeting on internal affairs and public security in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

This follows Pakistan’s condemnation of Iranian drone and missile strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain, with officials warning that renewed hostilities are threatening diplomatic progress in resolving tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Naqvi shared on X: “Met my dear brother, H.E. Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister of Iran again. We reviewed the evolving regional security situation and discussed matters of mutual interest.”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed earlier Saturday it intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeting the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf states.

Pakistani officials have maintained communication with both nations since the conflict’s onset in late February, facilitating message exchanges and mediation attempts.

The country played a key role in securing a fragile April 8 ceasefire. However, talks have stalled over disputes related to Iran’s uranium enrichment program and the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran closed after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Naqvi and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, visited Iran in May for high-level discussions aimed at advancing negotiations and achieving a breakthrough between the two sides.

Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Iran has intensified as both Iranian and U.S. forces continue cross-border strikes, raising stakes for regional stability.

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