Key facts
- Pakistan's defense minister stated the US and Iran are close to an arrangement.
- Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for talks on regional security.
- Naqvi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials.
- Iran and Oman are in advanced talks regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Recent attacks on shipping include a Houthi strike in the Bab el-Mandeb strait and a missile strike in the Gulf of Oman.
Pakistan's defense minister, Khawaja Asif, indicated that the United States and Iran are nearing an arrangement, suggesting a potential peace deal is developing. These comments coincide with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's visit to Tehran for discussions on regional security, stability, and bilateral relations.
During his visit, Naqvi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. Naqvi conveyed a message from Pakistan's prime minister and army chief to President Pezeshkian. The Pakistani foreign office stated the discussions covered bilateral relations, security, regional stability, and constructive engagement among regional parties.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson also indicated that talks between Oman and Iran regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz are advanced. Iran insists on retaining control of the strait and charging fees for passage, while the US has imposed a rival blockade on Iranian ports. Last week, Iran announced an agreement with Oman for ship transit routes through the strait.
These diplomatic efforts occur amidst recent escalations in shipping attacks. The US military announced it fired on a cargo ship attempting to break its blockade of Iran's ports. Separately, a Houthi attack on a cargo vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait reportedly killed four crew members, and a container ship was hit by a missile in the Gulf of Oman.