Islamabad: Mohsin Naqvi met Natalie Baker in Islamabad to review ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at convening a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, the Ministry of Interior said on Thursday.
According to the official statement, the two sides held an “important meeting” in which they exchanged detailed views on the evolving regional situation and discussed progress on facilitating the next phase of US-Iran talks, expected to take place in Islamabad.
During the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi welcomed Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire, calling it a “positive development” that has created space for diplomacy and helped ease tensions in the region.
“We also hope for positive progress from Iran’s side,” Naqvi said, stressing the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement for a sustainable resolution.
The interior minister highlighted that Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir were making “all-out efforts at every level” to resolve the crisis and bring both parties back to the negotiating table.
“It is hoped that both parties will give a chance to a diplomatic and peaceful solution,” he added.
Despite these efforts, uncertainty continues to surround the timing of the proposed talks. The arrival of the US delegation to Islamabad has been delayed, while Tehran has yet to confirm its participation, reflecting persistent mistrust between the two sides.
The delay is largely attributed to ongoing disagreements, particularly Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the United States’ naval blockade of Iranian ports—issues that remain central to the standoff.
Earlier, President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that a second round of talks could take place within “two to three days.” In remarks reported by The New York Post, he responded “It’s possible!” when asked about the likelihood of negotiations resuming within the next 36 to 72 hours.
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei offered a more measured response, indicating that Tehran would only engage when it deems conditions suitable for safeguarding national interests.
“Diplomacy is a tool to secure national interests and security,” he said, adding that Iran would act when “necessary and logical groundwork” is in place.
Earlier this week, Mohsin Naqvi also held separate meetings with US envoy Natalie Baker and Reza Amiri Moghadam to discuss logistical and security arrangements for the anticipated talks. He assured that “special security arrangements” had been made for all delegations.
The first round of direct US-Iran talks—held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire—ended without a formal agreement but maintained diplomatic channels, avoiding a breakdown.
As Islamabad continues its mediation efforts, officials say the coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can overcome entrenched differences or if the process will face further delays.
