US President Donald Trump expressed high regard for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir on Sunday, acknowledging their persistent efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran. During a phone interview with Fox News, Trump described both leaders as “great people” and emphasized his deep respect for Pakistan’s top leadership.
In a notable decision, Trump announced the cancellation of a planned visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, citing the extensive travel and costs involved in the Islamabad talks. He suggested that if the Iranians wished to engage, they could initiate contact directly via secure telephone lines, underscoring the availability of communication channels.
Despite halting the envoy trip, Trump reiterated his admiration for PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir’s tireless commitment to bringing the two sides together. He also confirmed that Pakistani mediators would continue to play an active role in the ongoing negotiation process between Washington and Tehran.
Trump has consistently praised Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership for their facilitation of the US-Iran talks. Earlier, he lauded the “kind and very competent leadership” of the army chief and prime minister for hosting the initial round of discussions in Islamabad on April 11.
Highlighting their significance, Trump called PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir “very extraordinary men,” noting their gratitude towards him for preventing a devastating war with India that could have cost 30 to 50 million lives.
Pakistan’s efforts to convene Iran and the United States for their highest-level face-to-face talks in decades, aimed at ending weeks of conflict, have received widespread international acclaim. In Islamabad, Field Marshal Munir played a central role, personally welcoming both delegations and demonstrating a warm rapport with US Vice President JD Vance.
Trump often refers to CDF Munir as his “favourite field marshal,” a bond formed during US-led attempts to defuse a brief but intense military confrontation between Pakistan and India last year.
