CDF Munir, Iranian President, and top brass discuss de-escalation; Qatar Prime Minister, Emir highlight regional stability
ISLAMABAD:
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday held a series of high-level meetings in Tehran with Iran’s top political and military leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, as part of Islamabad’s efforts to prepare the ground for the next round of Iran-US talks expected in Islamabad.
During the visit, Marshal Munir called on President Pezeshkian and discussed the evolving regional situation, with particular emphasis on de-escalation efforts and the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement.
The two sides exchanged views on the prospects for peace and stability in the region and stressed the need for continued coordination to reduce tensions.
As part of a series of parallel engagements, the army chief met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including the head of the central headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya.
Discussions with Iran’s military leadership focused on steps taken within the emerging framework aimed at ending hostilities. Field Marshal Munir also shared lessons from his recent interactions in Tehran, as the two sides deliberated on the broader regional security environment.
He stressed that efforts to end the conflict and reduce tensions must be pursued consistently and seriously, stressing the importance of maintaining the momentum of ongoing diplomatic and indirect engagements.
These meetings are seen as part of Pakistan’s intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating the resumption of dialogue between Tehran and Washington. Islamabad is increasingly positioning itself as a key intermediary amid increased regional volatility.
Pakistan’s role has also received rare public support from Washington. A day earlier, the White House acknowledged Islamabad’s mediation efforts, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying President Donald Trump viewed Pakistan as the primary channel for engagement with Iran.
She noted that although several countries had offered assistance, the United States preferred to continue its action through Pakistan, describing Islamabad as an “effective and reliable mediator” who had helped bring the two sides closer to a possible agreement.
Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday and had an in-depth meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The two leaders discussed developments in the Middle East and agreed on the need to strengthen efforts aimed at de-escalation and regional stability.
Qatari leaders appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue, while Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed solidarity with Qatar and condemned recent attacks targeting Gulf states.
The two sides also reviewed their bilateral relations, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as security, defense and energy, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring uninterrupted global energy supplies amid ongoing tensions.
The officials said the flurry of diplomatic engagements in Tehran and Doha reflects a coordinated effort by Pakistan to build consensus and create conditions for the resumption of meaningful negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Türkiye on Thursday on an official visit to attend the 5th Antalya Diplomatic Forum.
Antalya Governor Hulusi Sahin warmly received the Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation at the airport.
Pakistan Ambassador to Türkiye Yusuf Junaid along with senior diplomatic officials were also present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister will participate in the 5th Antalya Diplomatic Forum tomorrow.
During the forum, the Prime Minister will participate in the ‘Leaders’ Panel’ to present Pakistan’s views.
On this occasion, bilateral meetings of the Prime Minister are also expected with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other key world leaders.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and Prime Minister’s Spokesperson on International Media Musharraf Zaidi are accompanying the Prime Minister as part of the Pakistani delegation.
A key conference of foreign ministers from four countries is scheduled to be held on Saturday (tomorrow) in Turkey, bringing together Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia to deliberate on pressing regional developments, particularly the security situation in the Middle East.
Diplomatic sources indicated that the high-level meeting will see the participation of foreign ministers of these countries, and that discussions are expected to focus on regional stability, emerging security challenges and the search for coordinated diplomatic responses to ongoing crises.
Pakistan will be represented at the conference by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who will lead the country’s delegation in the consultations. The meeting is part of an ongoing process, following an earlier round held in Islamabad, officials said.
The meeting is expected to examine in detail the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, as well as the broader implications of instability in the Middle East, as well as regional cooperation in various areas.
Diplomatic sources indicated that the agenda will include an in-depth review of the current regional volatility, possible risks of escalation and the development of a common strategy to support peace and stability in the region.
In addition to security-related issues, participating countries are also expected to discuss broader areas of cooperation, including counter-terrorism efforts, energy collaboration and strengthening regional connectivity frameworks.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. Diplomatic observers believe the outcome of the talks could play an important role in shaping future efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.
