Iran has offered to play a mediating role between Pakistan and Afghanistan following the collapse of recent peace talks in Istanbul.
The proposal came during a meeting between Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where both sides emphasized unity and dialogue among Muslim nations.
According to Iranian media, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with President Pezzekian in Tehran to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and addressing security challenges in the region.
The Iranian President underscored the importance of fostering unity and brotherhood among Muslim countries against common adversaries. “We attach great importance to relations with Pakistan,” President Pezzekian said, while reiterating Iran’s commitment to promoting peace and cooperation in South Asia.
Minister Naqvi welcomed Iran’s willingness to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul, saying Pakistan values any constructive role that could help reduce regional tensions.
Key issues discussed in Tehran meeting
During the high-level meeting, both sides exchanged views on regional security, cross-border coordination, and the welfare of pilgrims traveling between the two countries. Issues related to the Pak-Iran border were also raised.
Upon his arrival in Tehran, Minister Naqvi was received by Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Ali Zeinvand. He is expected to hold further discussions with senior Iranian officials on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing shared security concerns.
Pakistan-Afghanistan talks end without progress
The mediation offer comes shortly after the latest round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government in Istanbul ended without a breakthrough.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the four-day negotiations, held in October 2025 under Qatari and Turkish mediation, failed to achieve tangible results. He blamed Kabul’s reluctance to act against terror groups operating from Afghan territory for the deadlock.
“The talks focused on ensuring Afghan soil would not be used for attacks against Pakistan,” Tarar said, adding that the Afghan delegation avoided making actionable assurances despite Pakistan’s presentation of “concrete evidence” against India-backed terrorist elements.
