Islamabad, Pakistan – In a move reflecting Pakistan’s pivotal role as an international mediator in one of the most complex contemporary geopolitical crises, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Pakistan, Natalie Baker, at the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, the discussions focused on ongoing diplomatic efforts. The aim was to secure a second round of direct talks between Washington and Tehran on Pakistani soil. Both sides hope this will contribute to regional stability and prevent military escalation.
Praise for Trump’s initiative and a call for flexibility
During the meeting, Naqvi commended US President Donald Trump’s initiative to extend the ceasefire, describing it as a “welcome development” that had made tangible progress toward reducing tensions.
He expressed hope that Tehran would demonstrate similar “positive steps.” He also affirmed that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were working diligently to overcome the current obstacles, thus giving both sides an opportunity to reach a lasting and peaceful solution.
Field obstacles and a state of uncertainty
Despite the optimistic atmosphere, the exact timing of the negotiations remains uncertain, as the arrival of the American delegation, initially scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed. The delay is attributed to the continued tensions on the ground, particularly Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the American blockade of Iranian ports.
Nevertheless, Trump expressed cautious optimism, saying, “It’s possible!” in response to the possibility of the talks taking place within the next 72 hours.
Security preparations and the Iranian position
For his part, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei adopted a cautious tone, linking a return to negotiations to the extent to which national interests are served. On the logistical front, Naqvi confirmed that security arrangements for receiving the delegations were complete. He expressed hope that this round would build upon the results of the first round of talks held on April 11. That round ended without a final agreement but succeeded in preventing the complete collapse of the ceasefire brokered by Pakistan earlier this month.
