Pakistan’s interior minister highlights Islamabad and Doha’s diplomatic efforts as Washington and Tehran remain divided over renewed negotiations.
DOHA, QATAR — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that achieving lasting peace between the United States and Iran requires patience, trust and sustained diplomatic engagement, stressing that a resolution cannot be secured through a single meeting.
Addressing the Global Security Forum in Doha on Monday, Naqvi said Pakistan had made every possible effort to bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table despite periods of heightened regional tensions.
He also praised Qatar’s mediation efforts, saying Islamabad and Doha had worked together to prevent the situation from escalating further.
US-Iran negotiations remain stalled
Naqvi’s remarks come as Washington and Tehran remain divided over the conditions for resuming negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on October 18 that Tehran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days remained on the table, subject to Washington accepting Iran’s conditions.
Iran has called for the lifting of the US blockade on its ports, relief from sanctions on its oil exports and an end to hostilities across regional fronts. Washington, meanwhile, wants Iran’s nuclear programme addressed as a priority.
The differences have complicated efforts to restart negotiations, although diplomatic contacts and mediation efforts have continued.
Pakistan and Qatar push for diplomacy
Naqvi credited Pakistan and Qatar with working to prevent further regional escalation. He said Pakistan had maintained its efforts to facilitate dialogue even when tensions became particularly severe.
“Peace cannot be achieved in a single meeting. It requires patience, trust and continuous efforts,” Naqvi said, emphasising the importance of sustained engagement in resolving international disputes.
His comments underline Islamabad’s stated preference for diplomacy as regional tensions threaten security, trade and energy supplies.
Naqvi highlights regional security cooperation
The interior minister also referred to the diplomatic efforts of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani during the Swiss peace talks.
According to Naqvi, the two officials worked for more than 16 hours without a break during those discussions.
He also cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye as an example of regional security cooperation, saying the pact was intended to promote peace rather than war.
The agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7, 2026. Under its mutual-defence provision, an armed attack against one signatory is to be regarded as an attack against all three.
