Pakistan's Army Chief Wraps Up Tehran Visit Amid US-Iran Mediation
Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has concluded a three-day official visit to Iran, marking the latest step in Islamabad's efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the visit's end on Saturday, saying discussions focused on "bringing sustainable peace to the region."
According to ISPR, Munir's delegation, which included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and the commander of Khatam ul Anbiya Headquarters, Major General Ali Abdollahi. The ISPR statement described the visit as reflecting Pakistan's "unwavering resolve to facilitate a negotiated settlement to the Middle East conflict."
The visit was part of "ongoing mediation efforts" between Iran and the US, as described by ISPR. Earlier, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said that several messages had been exchanged between Tehran and Washington through Pakistan since the previous round of talks in Islamabad ended without agreement. Baqaei reiterated that Iran's right to enrich uranium was "indisputable," though the level of enrichment was "negotiable," and called some US demands "unreasonable and unrealistic."
Tehran Reviewing US Proposals
Iran's Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that Munir, serving as an intermediary, presented new US proposals to Iran during his visit, and that they were still under review. This aligns with earlier reports that Munir flew to Tehran carrying proposals from the US, and that Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi later returned to Islamabad with Tehran's formal response.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late on Friday, according to the Iranian Embassy, and on Saturday held separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Munir. State-run Pakistan TV reported that "regional developments and bilateral ties" were discussed. The Iranian delegation included Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.
Trump Signals Possible Talks, Praises Pakistan
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that talks between Washington and Tehran could resume over the next two days and that he might travel to Islamabad if a deal is signed there. "If a deal is signed in Islamabad, I may go," Trump told reporters, according to Dawn. He also claimed Iran had accepted "almost everything" under negotiation, though he reiterated an unverified claim about Iran agreeing to surrender enriched uranium.
Trump praised Pakistan's efforts in mediating, and the White House later confirmed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner would travel to Pakistan for a second round of talks with Iran.
Ceasefire Deadline Approaches
The current US-Iran ceasefire, which came into effect on April 8, is set to expire on April 22. A first round of direct talks between the two sides was held in Islamabad last week, the highest-level face-to-face contact in decades, but ended without agreement. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye to push the peace process, concluding his trip on Saturday.
Perspectives
- Pakistan's role: Islamabad frames its diplomatic push as an effort to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation, with ISPR emphasizing Pakistan's commitment to a negotiated settlement. Pakistani officials said Araghchi's visit was aimed at conveying Tehran's considered response after internal consultations.
- Iran's stance: Tehran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment, describing the level as negotiable, and says it is reviewing US proposals. Iran has also expressed gratitude for Pakistan's hosting of the dialogue.
- US position: President Trump has expressed optimism about a potential deal and praised Pakistan's mediation, while continuing to press for the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program.