Pakistan has further intensified its diplomatic efforts to defuse the ongoing tension between Iran and the US and establish peace in the region, while Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir reached Tehran, where he will hold important talks with the Iranian leadership.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir was warmly welcomed by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandhar Momeni upon his arrival in Tehran. Pakistani Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who has been playing an active role in diplomatic relations between Iran and the US for the past few days, was also present on the occasion.
According to sources, the army chief will discuss the ongoing talks between Iran and the US, the tense situation in the Middle East, the possibilities of a ceasefire, global maritime trade and the overall security situation in the region during his visit to Iran. He is also expected to meet senior Iranian officials and military leadership.
Pakistan has played a prominent role in mediation efforts between Iran and the US in recent months. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, saying that Washington is constantly in touch with the Pakistani leadership and that Pakistan is playing the role of a primary mediator in this matter.
Speaking to reporters in Sweden, Marco Rubio said that Pakistan has played a “commendable” role in the negotiations between Iran and the US. He said that the US is in touch with many countries, but Pakistan is the most important liaison in this whole matter.
On the other hand, in Tehran, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in which various proposals were considered for a solution to the ongoing conflict. According to Iranian media, the meeting discussed in detail the possibilities of a ceasefire, the lifting of sanctions and reducing tensions in the region.
Pakistan has previously hosted historic direct talks in Islamabad for negotiations between Iran and the US. Although no final agreement could be reached in these talks held in April, both countries agreed to continue the negotiation process.
Diplomatic sources say Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the role of regional groups in the Middle East remain the biggest obstacles to the talks. Iran insists that any potential deal should include lifting economic sanctions, restoring frozen assets and ensuring protection from Israeli attacks.
US President Donald Trump has hinted in a recent statement that the US could reconsider military action if a deal is not reached within a limited time. Iran, on the other hand, has warned that the consequences of any new aggression could be felt beyond the region.
According to analysts, Pakistan is currently playing an important diplomatic role as a bridge in the region. Islamabad is trying to reduce the growing tension between Iran and the US through talks so that a new war in the Middle East is avoided.