King Charles’s private feelings about the ongoing US-Iran conflict were captured by a Pakistani news channel at Clarence House on Wednesday.
The monarch, 77, was hosting the Pakistan cricket squad, who are touring England, when he spoke candidly with Pakistani interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran.
“It’s all going backwards,” King Charles was heard telling Mr Naqvi.
The Pakistani diplomat, who has been attempting to negotiate a peace agreement involving the United States, Israel and Iran, concurred with the King’s gloomy assessment: “Yes, it is a story of one step forward and one step back.”
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King Charles told the minister: “We’re going to have to rely on you a great deal.”
Mr Naqvi appeared to describe the US-Iran discussions as “one of the most difficult” he had ever participated in.
Following the exchange, Mr Naqvi spoke to the TV channel, Geo News, describing his conversation with the King as “very productive” and noting that King Charles had recognised Pakistan’s contribution to peace and security efforts in the Middle East.
GB News has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
The cricket team, trailing 2-0 in a three-match series against England, also presented the monarch with a signed bat.
Mr Naqvi occupies an unusual position in the current geopolitical landscape, serving simultaneously as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and as the country’s home affairs minister.
This dual role placed him at Clarence House in both capacities on Wednesday.
Pakistan has positioned itself as an intermediary, with Mr Naqvi tasked with shuttling between the warring parties in pursuit of a ceasefire.
Overnight reporting from The Wall Street Journal, citing officials familiar with the matter, revealed that Donald Trump is now privately weighing whether to formally declare the conflict finished.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the President maintained an aggressive posture, declaring that American forces stood ready to carry out additional strikes “any time we want.”
He pointed to this week’s military action, launched after Iran attempted to plant fresh mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as evidence of Washington’s resolve.
“We see everything that they’re doing,” Mr Trump said. “They can’t go to the bathroom without us seeing it.”
On Truth Social, the President struck a bullish tone, writing: “I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing.”
He added: “They are just playing out the inevitable. When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?”
When asked about the duration of the current bombing campaign, Mr Trump offered a brief response: “I don’t think too long.”
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