// DOSSIER — pakistan-interior-minister-meets-iranian-president-tehran
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Meets Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran Amid Rising US Tensions
REL_TIME: 24 Sep 2026 04:12Z · LANG: EN
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Tehran on Monday, September 22, 2026. The high-level meetings focused on strengthening bilateral ties, regional stability, trade, energy cooperation, and mutual efforts to navigate escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. While Pakistan continues to act as a regional mediator following the breakdown of an earlier interim peace deal, Iranian officials confirmed Naqvi's visit was officially dedicated to bilateral matters rather than carrying a specific diplomatic message from Washington. The talks coincide with ongoing geopolitical strains surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic maneuvers ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
// Background
Regional tensions between Iran and the United States escalated significantly following military actions that began in February 2026. A 60-day memorandum of understanding brokered by Pakistan in June quickly collapsed, leading to renewed maritime choke points in the Strait of Hormuz, disruptions to energy shipments, and heightened rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, countries like Pakistan and Qatar have continued diplomatic efforts to foster dialogue and secure energy corridors.
// Key Developments
- Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held his sixth visit to Tehran since February 2026, meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.
- President Pezeshkian remarked that US pressure has inadvertently driven greater convergence, interaction, and cooperation among Islamic countries like Iran and Pakistan.
- Iranian officials and state media clarified that Naqvi was visiting to discuss bilateral relations, regional security, and economic cooperation, rather than delivering a direct message from the United States.
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York for the 81st UNGA session, stopping in Doha to discuss regional developments with Qatari officials mediating between Tehran and Washington.
- US President Donald Trump stated he is weighing three main paths for Iran: economic pressure, regime annihilation, or a deal, while noting openness to a potential meeting.
// Timeline
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US and Israel initiate military operations against Iran, triggering widespread regional conflict.
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A 60-day memorandum of understanding (Islamabad MoU) is reached via Pakistani mediation to end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but eventually collapses.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Bishkek to reaffirm bilateral cooperation and regional peace.
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Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrives in Tehran for his sixth visit since February, meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in New York for the 81st UNGA session after stopping in Doha for mediation talks, while Qatari officials reaffirm ongoing efforts to bridge gaps between Tehran and Washington.
// Perspectives
[Iran]
Emphasizing regional self-reliance, stronger bilateral ties with Muslim nations like Pakistan, and using strategic leverage like the Strait of Hormuz while keeping diplomatic options open through intermediaries.
[Pakistan]
Acting as a vital diplomatic mediator between Washington and Tehran, while seeking to secure vital energy and trade corridors and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation with Iran.
[United States]
Maintaining intense economic and military pressure, evaluating options ranging from renewed strikes or economic strangulation to potential deal-making.
[Qatar]
Actively shuttling between Tehran and Washington alongside Pakistan to facilitate a dialogue framework and revive stalled peace agreements.
// Quotes
“We believe that US actions and pressures have contributed to greater convergence and continued engagement among Islamic countries, and the numerous meetings and consultations between Iranian and Pakistani delegations are a clear example of this trend.”
“We believe that relations between Iran and Pakistan have never been at such a high level as they are today.”
“We are grateful for Pakistan's continuous efforts to establish peace in the region.”