Pakistan and Iran engaged in talks focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and achieving a swift resolution to the ongoing US-Iran conflict in the Middle East. These discussions occurred during a day-long visit by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Tehran, where he met with Iran’s senior leadership.
Field Marshal Munir arrived in Tehran on Sunday as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative aimed at breaking the deadlock in the conflict. During his visit, he held meetings with key Iranian figures including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Mohsen Rezaei—the Supreme Leader’s representative on the Supreme National Security Council—Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.
The discussions were comprehensive, focusing on preventing further escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and expediting the conflict’s termination. Both sides also exchanged perspectives on regional peace and explored pathways toward a negotiated settlement of the disputes.
Field Marshal Munir’s visit comes amid heightened regional tensions following Washington’s announcement of expanded sanctions intended to sever Tehran’s economic lifeline. US officials emphasized these measures as a warning to the international community to cease business dealings with Iran.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who accompanied the army chief, highlighted significant progress in Pakistan’s mediation efforts to end the US-Iran conflict. In a statement on X, Naqvi described the meeting with the Iranian president as very positive and productive, focusing on the conflict, Middle East tensions, and steps required to restore the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a comprehensive settlement.
Naqvi noted that the Iranian president openly shared his government’s views and concerns, leading to a constructive dialogue. He expressed optimism that the momentum generated would pave the way for further progress and lasting peace in the region.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator between Tehran and Washington since the conflict escalated with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Islamabad successfully brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8, temporarily halting six weeks of fighting, and has continued to facilitate communication between the two sides.
In response to the expanded US sanctions, Iran has vowed retaliation. Tehran expressed confidence that major trading partners would resist Washington’s pressure campaign. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the new measures on Monday but refrained from imposing the most severe sanctions, warning that countries continuing trade with Iran risk exclusion from the dollar-based financial system.
Bessent did not specify which countries would be targeted or when penalties would take effect, allowing time for compliance. The Treasury Department also sanctioned 60 individuals, entities, and vessels, though Chinese financial institutions suspected of aiding Iran’s oil trade were not included.
Prior to the announcement, Iran threatened military responses and further reductions in Gulf oil exports if the US imposed economic measures. Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh affirmed Iran’s preparedness for the sanctions, stating that while the US intends an economic attack, Iran possesses countermeasures and is ready to respond offensively.
Madanizadeh also mentioned that China and Russia have not accepted the US sanctions and predicted other nations would resist them. Additionally, Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned of severe retaliation against US vital interests and energy chokepoints should Iran’s infrastructure be targeted.
