Iran’s Interior Minister Visits Islamabad for High-Level Talks

Key Takeaways

Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad on Monday.
The visit includes meetings with Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership.
Pakistan hopes the visit will strengthen bilateral ties and address regional issues.

Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, has arrived in Islamabad for an official visit, leading a high-level delegation. The visit comes amid evolving regional dynamics, with Pakistan aiming to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States.

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed Momeni, describing him as 'my brother' and expressing hope that the visit would bring good news for both countries. Naqvi stated, ‘I am confident that this visit will strengthen our bilateral ties and contribute to regional stability.’

The Iranian delegation includes several high-ranking officials such as the Governor General of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, a deputy interior minister, and representatives from various sectors including urban development and transport. The delegation also features the head of the National Iranian Oil Company and the special representative of Iran’s agriculture minister.

During his stay, Momeni is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He held a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi shortly after his arrival, where he expressed pleasure at meeting 'his brother' again and praised the hospitality extended by Pakistan.

The visit coincides with heightened regional diplomacy efforts, as Pakistan continues to facilitate dialogue aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the United States. A Pakistani interior ministry source told AFP that Momeni would hold talks with Pakistani officials during his visit, although no official confirmation was given on whether the trip is directly linked to Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

Pakistan last week reiterated its commitment to encouraging all sides to halt hostilities and resume negotiations under a memorandum of understanding it helped broker. Iran has also indicated that diplomatic contacts with the United States through mediators remain ongoing despite recent military tensions, with Momeni having previously participated in mediation-related discussions.

The visit is expected to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations, which have been described as exemplary by both sides. As Momeni meets key Pakistani officials, the focus remains on regional stability and cooperation between the two countries.