US envoy meets Naqvi, discusses diplomatic efforts for second round of talks in Islamabad | The Express Tribune

US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday, where both discussed diplomatic efforts regarding the second round of negotiations in Islamabad.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the two sides discussed the evolving regional situation and “reviewed progress on diplomacy ahead of the second round of Islamabad talks.”

Naqvi stated that positive progress was also expected from Iran, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, were making vigorous efforts at all levels to resolve the issue.

“It is hoped that both sides will give diplomacy and a peaceful solution a chance,” said Naqvi. 

The statement further added that the interior minister appreciated US President Donald Trump for his initiative to extend the ceasefire, calling it ‘an important development’ towards easing tensions in the region.

“Natalie praised Pakistan’s constructive role in establishing peace in the region and resolving the conflict,” the statement concluded.

US–Pakistan ties in the context of the ongoing crisis with Iran reflect a pragmatic, security-driven partnership where Islamabad has positioned itself as a key intermediary.

Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire — explicitly acknowledging requests from PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir — underscores Washington’s reliance on Pakistan’s backchannel diplomacy at a moment of heightened regional volatility.

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Despite historically fluctuating ties, particularly post-War in Afghanistan, the current engagement signals a renewed convergence where Pakistan’s geographic leverage and diplomatic access are central to managing escalation risks in the Gulf.

At the same time, the war dynamic complicates this cooperation, as the US continues to maintain military pressure on Iran through blockades and deterrence posture, even while endorsing talks facilitated by Islamabad. Pakistan’s role as an “honest broker” allows it to engage both Washington and Tehran, but also places it in a delicate position amid competing strategic expectations.

For the US, working with Pakistan offers a channel to de-escalate without direct concessions, while for Islamabad, mediation enhances its global diplomatic standing without direct military involvement. However, the sustainability of this alignment will depend on whether negotiations produce tangible outcomes or whether renewed hostilities force both sides back into a more transactional, security-first relationship.