Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held a significant meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran to discuss the latest diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran. The discussions centered on efforts to prevent further escalation and to foster peace, stability, and security across West Asia.
The meeting extended late into Friday night and was part of broader mediation attempts to resolve the conflict. Field Marshal Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday as a continuation of Pakistan’s active role in diplomatic efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, along with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and other officials, warmly welcomed the chief of defence staff.
This visit follows Pakistan’s earlier facilitation of the first round of direct US-Iran negotiations held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, which came after a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8. Although the talks concluded without a formal agreement, the dialogue remained open. Plans for a second round of talks in Islamabad have yet to materialize amid ongoing diplomatic activity.
Meanwhile, Tehran has accused the United States of making “excessive demands,” Iranian media on Saturday. This development coincides with US media reports suggesting Washington is contemplating new military strikes against Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi conveyed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that Tehran remains engaged in diplomacy despite repeated setbacks, including military aggression and contradictory US positions.
US President Donald Trump described the recent negotiations as precariously balanced between the possibility of renewed attacks and reaching a peace deal. The conflict, which escalated with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has also resulted in competing blockades around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, causing disruption to the global economy.
Reports from US outlets Axios and CBS News, citing unnamed sources, indicated that the White House is considering further strikes on Iran, although no final decision has been made. US officials have repeatedly warned of potential renewed action if diplomatic efforts fail. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a NATO conference in Sweden, acknowledged some progress toward peace but emphasized that a resolution has not yet been achieved. He noted the difficulty of dealing with the Iranian leadership and reiterated that other options remain on the table.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei highlighted that discussions also involve the status of the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of a retaliatory US blockade of Iranian ports. The future of this strategic maritime chokepoint remains a critical issue, with growing concerns about the global economic impact as oil reserves diminish amid the conflict.
