Naqvi says Pakistan never gave up on US-Iran peace efforts

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, saying Islamabad continued its efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran despite facing difficult moments during the conflict.

Addressing the 8th Global Security Forum in Doha, Qatar, on Monday, Naqvi said the war had created serious risks for the Middle East and the wider world. He said Pakistan had chosen diplomacy over confrontation and made every possible effort to prevent further escalation.

“The last few months have been very difficult for our region,” Naqvi said, describing the conflict involving Washington and Tehran as a major threat to regional and international stability. He added that Pakistan remained committed to dialogue even when negotiations faced considerable challenges.

“There were moments when the situation was extremely tense, but we never gave up,” the interior minister said, highlighting Islamabad’s continued efforts to bring the two sides closer to an agreement.

Naqvi also praised Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his role in Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives. He described Munir’s contribution to efforts aimed at reducing tensions as remarkable.

Munir, accompanied by Naqvi, visited Iran in August as part of Pakistan’s broader initiative to promote regional peace and stability. Naqvi also travelled to Tehran in September for engagements with Iranian officials.

During his address, the interior minister recalled the signing of the 14-point Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran on June 18. Pakistan signed the agreement as a mediator, providing a framework intended to end the conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

He said the agreement was followed by the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland, organised by Pakistan and Qatar as part of their mediation efforts.

Recalling the negotiations, Naqvi highlighted the role played by Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Field Marshal Munir. He said the two leaders worked for more than 16 hours without a break to prevent the talks from collapsing.

“There, I saw something I will never forget,” Naqvi said, describing the prolonged negotiations as an example of the determination shown by the mediators.

He emphasised that the discussions were not about publicity or political recognition. Instead, the central objective was to prevent further fighting and create space for a peaceful resolution.

The 8th Global Security Forum, held under the theme “The Future of Alliances”, brought together senior officials and dignitaries from more than 100 countries to discuss international security challenges and the evolving global order.

Naqvi’s remarks underscored Pakistan’s efforts to position itself as a facilitator of dialogue between Washington and Tehran, with Islamabad maintaining that diplomatic engagement remains essential to regional stability.