Iran’s Interior Ministry has said that efforts are underway to return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts to address tensions in the region.

The statement comes as Pakistan prepares for another possible high-level visit to Tehran and seeks to maintain communication with Iran while tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis continue.

There has been no official confirmation from Islamabad or Tehran about the planned visit. However, a senior Pakistani government official told a private media outlet that another delegation was preparing to travel to Tehran soon.

The official did not reveal the delegation’s composition, while diplomatic and government sources indicated that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi could lead the visit.

Pakistan has been trying to maintain its role in talks involving Iran and the United States (US) while also managing its security commitments to Saudi Arabia.

The diplomatic efforts come as Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have exchanged attacks, with Riyadh carrying out strikes on Houthi positions while the group has launched drone and missile attacks towards Saudi territory.

The escalation has raised concerns over Saudi energy infrastructure and shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.

Iranian Foreign Minister (FM) Abbas Araghchi also spoke with Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir by phone during Araghchi’s visit to Beijing, according to Iranian media. The two discussed regional developments.

An international media report said that Munir later conveyed Pakistan’s concerns to Iranian officials over the Houthi attacks and called on Tehran to restrain the group. The report added that Islamabad had warned that the situation could affect Pakistan’s defence commitments to Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan’s position has gained further importance following the signing of a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in August. Under the agreement, an attack on one signatory is to be treated as an attack on all.

Islamabad has since reiterated its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security. On Friday, Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry described Pakistan’s commitment to the Kingdom’s security as “unconditional”.

Riyadh has not formally asked Pakistan to become involved militarily, while Islamabad has continued to focus on diplomatic efforts.