Pakistan Army Chief Returns to Iran to Revive US Talks

Munir arrived in Tehran Monday accompanied by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, with the Pakistani military describing the trip as part of Islamabad’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Iranian authorities said Munir would meet senior officials during the visit, while Pakistani sources said he was expected to discuss proposals for restarting U.S.-Iran negotiations and easing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that Munir also spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump last week before traveling to Tehran, with Trump asking Pakistan to use its influence to encourage Iran to return to negotiations. The White House has not publicly confirmed the conversation.

Pakistan has emerged as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran during the conflict, maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with Iran while also maintaining relations with the United States. Islamabad previously helped facilitate an interim agreement between the two sides in June, but the arrangement later collapsed, leaving negotiations stalled. Munir’s latest visit comes as the United States prepares what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called an “economic D-Day,” with new sanctions expected to target Iran’s economy and potentially countries and companies that continue doing business with Tehran. Iran has warned that countries supporting the U.S. campaign could face retaliation and has threatened to halt Gulf oil exports if the economic pressure continues.