Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Sep 22: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran as Islamabad and Doha stepped up diplomatic efforts to revive dialogue between Iran and the United States amid continuing regional tensions and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Naqvi's visit to Tehran on Monday was his sixth trip to Iran since the US-Israel war with Iran began in February. He met Pezeshkian as Pakistan sought to revive the stalled diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran.
Pezeshkian called for stronger relations between Iran and Pakistan, saying increased US pressure had contributed to greater engagement among Muslim countries. He cited the frequent meetings and consultations between Iranian and Pakistani delegations as an example of the trend.
Naqvi, meanwhile, described relations between the two countries as being at a high level and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to expanding cooperation with Iran in trade, economy, tourism, politics, culture and science.
The talks also came against the backdrop of Pakistan's efforts to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington. A source cited by Dawn said there had been progress during Naqvi's meeting with Pezeshkian, although details of any possible understanding were not immediately disclosed.
Qatar has also been working to revive negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said Doha was exchanging proposals between Iran and the US and seeking to open a path for dialogue, including the possibility of a short-term agreement. Qatar has said the effort is being coordinated with Pakistan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where diplomatic efforts over the conflict and the Strait of Hormuz have intensified. Pezeshkian also travelled to New York for the UN General Assembly and was expected to meet several world leaders and officials. The United States granted visas to Pezeshkian and Araghchi but imposed travel and purchasing restrictions on other members of the Iranian delegation.
US President Donald Trump has indicated that he is open to meeting Pezeshkian, while also saying Washington is considering different options in dealing with Tehran. No meeting between the two leaders has been confirmed.
Iran has also indicated that it is prepared to return to negotiations under certain conditions. Iranian officials have said Tehran has conveyed its requirements through mediators and is awaiting Washington's response, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remaining a central issue in the diplomatic efforts.
The diplomatic push comes as shipping remains disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that two tankers were hit in separate incidents on Monday. One tanker was struck by an unknown projectile and two crew members suffered minor injuries, while another vessel was affected by debris from projectiles.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and the continuing disruption has contributed to volatility in international oil markets. Brent crude rose above $102 a barrel on Tuesday amid renewed expectations of possible US-Iran diplomatic engagement.