ISLAMABAD (April 23, 2026) — Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker today to finalize security and diplomatic arrangements for the anticipated second round of direct negotiations between the United States and Iran. The meeting underscored the delicate “36 to 72-hour window” currently open for a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict.
Diplomatic Coordination Highlights
- Focus was on the regional security landscape and the “necessary groundwork” required for US negotiators to land in Islamabad.
- Naqvi lauded President Trump’s recent extension of the truce, calling it a “welcome development” that significantly de-escalated immediate military threats.
- The Interior Minister reiterated that PM Shehbaz Sharif and CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir are working “at every level” to bridge the trust gap between Washington and Tehran.
- Naqvi assured the US envoy that “special security arrangements” have been finalized for all foreign delegations entering the capital’s Red Zone.
US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker held a meeting with Interior Minister @MohsinnaqviC42 in Islamabad and discussed the latest regional situation#News #RadioPakistanhttps://t.co/R2lkwdon5K pic.twitter.com/MmOpCX4AZ8
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 23, 2026
The 72-Hour Countdown
Despite the ceasefire, a cloud of uncertainty remains over the physical start of the talks. While US negotiators postponed their arrival on Wednesday, President Trump hinted at a possible breakthrough. In a text message to the New York Post, Trump indicated that talks could realistically commence within the next 36 to 72 hours, stating, “It’s possible!”
However, the primary friction points—the U.S. naval blockade and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz—continue to stall a formal commitment from Tehran.
وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی نے جنگ بندی میں توسیع کے لیے امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کے اقدام کو سراہا
ملاقات میں تنازعہ کے دیرپا حل کے سفارتی چینلز کے تسلسل کی ضرورت پر زور
صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی جانب سے جنگ بندی میں توسیع خوش آئند ہے،
یہ قدم کشیدگی میں کمی کی جانب اہم پیش رفت ہے،محسن نقوی— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) April 23, 2026
Iran’s Strategic Caution
Tehran’s response remains measured. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei avoided a definitive “yes” regarding the second round, stating that Iran would only proceed once the “necessary and logical groundwork” is in place to secure the nation’s interests. This suggests that the “unified proposal” requested by Trump may still be under intense deliberation within the Iranian leadership.
Pakistan’s Role as Host and Protector
As the host nation, Pakistan is navigating both the diplomatic and logistical challenges of the summit. Interior Minister Naqvi has been in constant contact with both Natalie Baker and Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam to ensure that the “Islamabad Peace Dialogue” does not suffer a breakdown.
The first round of talks (April 11–12) proved that direct engagement is possible, even if an agreement remains elusive. The current efforts aim to build on that foundation before the ceasefire extension expires.
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