Pakistan races to prevent US-Iran escalation

The minister landed in the Iranian capital with a “crucial message” for the Iranian leadership, reflecting the urgency of the mediation efforts amid fears that the ceasefire could unravel if negotiations remained at a standstill. Diplomatic sources said Pakistan was continuing to relay messages between Tehran and Washington, but differences over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, the Strait of Hormuz, and wider regi­onal security concerns linked to Teh­ran’s missile capabilities and allied armed groups continued to impede progress. The latest round of contacts is taking place under heightened pressure from the US and its Middle East allies. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said talks in Iran were in the final stages, and also threatened to resume strikes if a deal is not reached in a “limited timeframe”. Iran, meanwhile, warned of confrontation beyond the Middle East in the case of a US attack but also insisted that all paths were open to avert the resumption of hostilities. According to diplomatic observers, Naqvi’s meetings in Tehran during this trip, including with President Pezeshkian and Gen Vahidi, remained focused on Pakistan’s attempts to preserve the narrow opening for negotiations. The rapid succession of Naqvi’s Tehran visits also fuelled speculations that