Pakistan steps up Iran-US mediation amid renewed threats of war

What happened

The New Arab reports that Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has traveled to Tehran for a second time within a week to intensify mediation efforts between Iran and the United States amid renewed threats of war. This follows ongoing talks hosted by Pakistan, which have been exchanging messages aimed at securing a ceasefire and ending escalation since the conflict reignited on 28 February.

Iran's official IRNA news agency conveyed that negotiations continue through Pakistani mediation, with Tehran recently reviewing American comments and amendments before responding. While Washington publicly rejected Iran's latest proposal, both sides apparently remain engaged through this backchannel despite escalating rhetoric signalling the possibility of military action.

US President Donald Trump warned of potential renewed strikes against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail, stating he came close to ordering attacks recently. Conversely, US Vice President JD Vance indicated that progress is being made but maintained readiness for military options. A related New York Times report disclosed an unconfirmed joint US and Israeli plan involving former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was reportedly injured during an Israeli strike on his home and whose current location is unknown.

Known from the source

• Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran twice recently to mediate between Iran and the US.
• The US-Iran war began on 28 February, with a fragile ceasefire starting on 8 April.
• Iran and the US continue exchanging proposals through Pakistani mediation, with Iran reviewing US comments last week.
• US President Donald Trump publicly warned about possible renewed strikes on Iran if diplomacy fails.
• US Vice President JD Vance stated progress in negotiations alongside readiness for military action.

What remains unclear

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a stark warning via Tasnim news agency that any new attack would extend beyond the Middle East, emphasizing undisclosed retaliatory capabilities. Meanwhile, regional tensions remain heightened after drone launches from Iraqi territory targeted the UAE’s Barakh Nuclear Power Plant, triggering defensive responses and Iraqi government efforts to constrain conflict spillover on its soil.

What remains unclear: Details and confirmation of the alleged US and Israeli plan to install Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran's new leader during the war. Ahmadinejad's current status and whereabouts following the reported strike on his residence. Verification of casualty figures related to the strike on Ahmadinejad’s home. Verification of ongoing talks progress and official acknowledgement from involved parties.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The New Arab. Open the source.