Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir held discussions with Iran that were focussed on measures including the prevention of a further escalation of the conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the Pakistani military said in a statement on Tuesday.
Munir discussed regional peace and ways to reach a negotiated settlement to disputes, the statement added.
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday morning to discuss "the steps needed by both sides for restoring the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," Naqvi said in a post on X/Twitter.
"The Iranian President candidly shared his Government’s perspective and concerns, and we had a very constructive exchange on the issues involved."
Naqvi said that the talks were focused on decreasing tensions in the Middle East and creating a path to peace. He added that the meeting with the president ended on a "highly positive note."
"We remain hopeful that this momentum will help pave the way for further progress and lasting peace in the region."
Pakistan-Iran talks come after US began Operation Economic Outcast against Iran
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the start of "Operation Economic Outcast" on Iran in remarks at a press conference on Monday following earlier threats of an "economic D-Day" against the regime.
"Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone," said Bessent.
Following the announcement, the US State Department implemented sanctions against Iranian military activities, cyber threats, and illicit oil trade, according to a statement from US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Monday evening.
"Today, the United States took sweeping action against multiple entities, individuals, and vessels enabling the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activities," Pigott said.
"The measures target Iranian military officials responsible for procuring weapons and directing attacks against US servicemembers and regional partners, Iran-based entities that gathered intelligence for targeting US forces and allies, and a procurement ring supplying Iran’s military and missile programs," he added.
Iran promised to retaliate to sanctions
Before the announcement, Iran threatened both a possible military response and further reduction in oil exports from the Gulf in response to any US economic measures. Afterward, Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said, "We are fully prepared for the US sanctions."
"Naturally, the enemies intend to launch an economic terrorist attack on us, but we also have our own tools and know how to play the game. Our defense is no longer so defensive; the enemies should wait for an attack," Madanizadeh told state television.
He also said neither China nor Russia had "accepted" the US measures, and predicted other countries would resist them.
Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, vowed heavy blows to US vital interests and energy chokepoints if Iran's infrastructure is threatened, Press TV reported.
Aaron Glick contributed to this report.