Pakistan intensifies mediation efforts to end Iran war, army chief to visit Tehran
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Pakistan's mediation efforts to end the war in Iran are gaining renewed momentum. Amid threats of new and stringent US sanctions, a deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing tensions in Tehran-Washington negotiations, Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir is set to visit Iran on Monday. Iran's Foreign Ministry has stated that the visit is part of efforts to establish regional peace and security.
Pakistan has taken on the role of mediator in talks between Iran and the United States to end the war, which began in February with US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Two Pakistani government officials confirmed Munir's visit to Reuters. The first official stated that Iran and Pakistan are maintaining direct communication.
The second official noted that the talks would also cover recent developments in the conflict. This includes US President Donald Trump's threat to impose even stricter sanctions on Iran.
That official said, "He will hold discussions with Iranian leaders regarding the establishment of peace under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, Trump's warnings, the Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi Arabia agreement, issues related to the Houthis, and the post-conflict scenario."
Tensions have already escalated as Iran has threatened military retaliation against the US sanctions plan. New sanctions could further strain the country's fragile economy. Munir's visit comes amid this volatile situation.
Details of the planned sanctions against Iran are expected to be announced on Monday, coinciding with Munir's visit. US officials have described these upcoming sanctions as the "toughest in history" against Iran.
As part of its efforts to isolate Iran, Trump had previously warned of economic measures against any country providing "any kind of support" to Tehran.
Oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz has effectively come to a halt. Tehran has threatened to attack any unauthorized oil tankers attempting to navigate this crucial waterway.
Munir's Previous Visits to Tehran
Since Pakistan took on the role of mediator to end the Iran-US war, General Asim Munir has visited Tehran multiple times. During a three-day visit to Iran in April of this year, he held meetings with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and military officials. The main topics of discussion were regional security, de-escalation, and finding diplomatic pathways to end the war.
Munir also visited Tehran in May. At that time, efforts were underway to advance Iran-US negotiations through Pakistan's mediation and move toward a final agreement. Pakistan's military had reported that Munir's discussions with Iranian leadership saw "encouraging progress towards a final agreement," and both sides agreed to expedite the ongoing consultation process aimed at regional peace and stability.
Pakistan's most significant mediation success came on April 8, when Islamabad's efforts led to a ceasefire between Iran and the United States. Just days later, on April 11 and 12, the two countries held their highest-level direct talks in Pakistan since 1979. However, disagreements over a permanent end to the war, security guarantees, and naval navigation through the Strait of Hormuz ultimately prevented those talks from reaching a final agreement.
(Source: Anadolu Agency, Reuters)
