Pakistan Army Chief Munir Visits Tehran After Speaking With President Trump

Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, arrived in Tehran on Monday.

Three Pakistani sources stated that U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Munir last week, ahead of this trip. One source indicated Trump's primary request was for Pakistan to use its influence to bring Iran back to negotiations. Two Pakistani sources confirmed Trump initiated the call, which had not been previously reported. Pakistan's military confirmed Munir's visit is as part of Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

State media in Pakistan reported Munir and Naqvi met with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqai announced Sunday that Munir was expected in Tehran to continue efforts for regional peace and security, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation and continue Pakistan’s good offices. Munir is expected to meet senior Iranian officials, with one Pakistani source mentioning a meeting with individuals close to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Another Pakistani government source said discussions would focus on U.S.-Iran tensions, recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, and the mutual defense agreement between Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Trump last week warned of economic consequences for any country providing any type of lifeline to Iran, while Iran has vowed to shut down all oil exports from the Gulf.

Pakistan has served as a key mediator between the U.S. and Iran this year and maintained trade relations during recent fighting. This marks Munir's third visit to Iran this year, following two phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The Middle East war began February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, leading to Iranian retaliation.

An April 8 ceasefire ended intense bombardment, but control over the Strait of Hormuz became a flashpoint, with Iran controlling it since the war began.