• Iranian minister thanks PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir for efforts to secure Islamabad MoU
• Momeni hints at continuing discussions; premier says Islamabad ready to continue mediation efforts
• Regional security, border management discussed at GHQ meeting

ISLAMABAD: Iran on Tuesday signalled that diplomatic channels ope­n­ed by Islamabad’s mediation efforts remain active, despite the warring sides showing no sign of easing hostilities anytime soon.

The developments came as Iranian Interior Mini­ster Eskander Momeni met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and other leaders, during a whirlwind visit to Islam­abad on Tuesday.

Mr Momeni arrived in Pakistan on an official visit on Monday night and was received by Interior Mini­ster Mohsin Naqvi in Isla­m­abad. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation.

In his meeting with the Iranian minister, PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed his concern over the recent re-escalation in the Middle East, and reiterated Pakis­tan’s sincere resolve to continue efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran.

“The prime minister shared his deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region and urged all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilise the region,” a statement issued by his office said.

Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Mi­n­i­ster for Interior & Na­r­­­­­c­­otics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Mini­ster for Information Attau­llah Tar­ar, Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other senior government officials were also present.

Mr Momeni thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation in Islamabad. He also conveyed greetings and the best wishes of the Iranian leadership The Iranian interior minister also expressed deep appreciation to the prime minister, deputy prime minister and Field Marshal Munir for their untiring mediation efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Under­standing. He also thanked the PM for attending the funeral ceremony of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Separately, the visiting dignitary called on Field Marshal Munir at General Headquarters in Rawal­pindi. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), matters of mutual interest, regional and bilateral security, and effective border management were discussed during their meeting.

The visiting Iranian dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s consistent efforts and its diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, encouraging de-escalation and serving as an anchor for peace.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the resolve to mai­ntain close coordination and cooperative mechanisms to safeguard regional security and promote mutual prosperity, ISPR added.

Speaking after his meetings with Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, the visiting minister said discussions had also focused on the evolving regional situation.

“The other part of the discussions was also related to the developments in the region, which were consulted, which we will talk more about in the future,” Mr Momeni was quoted as saying by Iran’s official IRNA news agency.

A diplomatic source familiar with discussions said the outcome of the meetings left the door open for further consultations on the latest phase of the war in the Gulf, suggesting that both sides intended to maintain close engagement as efforts continued to prevent further escalation.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2026