Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolphe Haykal embarked on an official visit to Pakistan on Saturday, amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Pakistan’s active diplomatic mediation between Iran and the United States.
The Lebanese military confirmed that Gen Haykal’s visit was at the invitation of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. However, details regarding the length of the visit and the commander’s official schedule were not disclosed.
This significant visit occurs during a tense period as Israel continues military actions in Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire agreement that came into effect in mid-April. Lebanese authorities report that Israeli attacks since March 2 have resulted in at least 3,593 deaths and left approximately 10,990 injured.
Meanwhile, Gen Haykal’s arrival coincides with Pakistan’s intensified diplomatic efforts to mediate between Tehran and Washington. This mediation role aligns with broader international initiatives aimed at maintaining Lebanon’s territorial integrity and regional stability.
Notably, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressed on Monday that securing a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon is a crucial element of any comprehensive agreement between Iran and the United States. However, regional tensions remain high, with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressing on Friday concerns over Iran’s influence, urging Tehran to stop using southern Lebanon and its residents as leverage in negotiations with Washington.
The regional conflict escalated sharply on February 28 when the US and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran, resulting in over 3,000 Iranian casualties Tehran’s official figures. In response, Iran carried out targeted strikes on US and Israeli installations, including American military assets in multiple countries.
Although a temporary ceasefire was brokered on April 8 through Pakistan’s diplomatic channels, talks stalled three days later. Following this deadlock, Washington imposed a strict blockade on Iranian ports, severely affecting strategic facilities along the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments.
In a move to reduce tensions, the US, Lebanon, and Israel announced a joint declaration of intent on Thursday after four rounds of intensive talks in Washington. These discussions aimed to strengthen the fragile ceasefire and ease hostilities along the contested Lebanese-Israeli border.
