CDF Marshal Munir speaks with Iranian leaders in Tehran, PM and Saudi Crown Prince discuss region
Marshal Asim Munir is received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday. —ISPR
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has launched an unprecedented diplomatic offensive ahead of a possible second, perhaps decisive, round of talks between Iran and the United States, with its top civilian and military leaders fanning out to key regional capitals to build momentum for a breakthrough.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as part of a multi-country visit, while defense force chief and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir made a surprise trip to Tehran, moves seen as part of a coordinated effort to prepare the ground for the next phase of talks.
Marshal Munir, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other senior officials, was received in Tehran by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon his arrival.
According to officials familiar with the process, Field Marshal Munir has become a central figure in Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative, maintaining indirect contacts with Washington and Tehran and helping to establish a degree of trust between the two adversaries.
Iranian officials stressed the importance of the visit. Foreign Minister spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, in his weekly briefing, confirmed that multiple messages exchanged between Iran and the United States were being conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries following the Islamabad talks.
“The exchange of messages continues,” Baqaei said, adding that since the return of the Iranian delegation from Islamabad, “multiple messages have been exchanged through Pakistani intermediary.”
In Washington, the White House said Wednesday that the United States was discussing holding a second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and was optimistic about reaching a deal.
“Those discussions are ongoing” and “we are pleased with the prospects of an agreement,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding that further discussions “would most likely” take place in Islamabad.
Commenting on reports of a US request for an extension of the ceasefire, Leavitt called them “bad reporting”, saying they were not true at the moment.
“We remain very engaged in these negotiations, in these talks. This week, the vice president and the president told you directly that these conversations are productive, and that’s where we are right now,” she said.
The press secretary also praised Pakistan and its leaders for their role in mediation.
“I just want to make an important point for the president: Pakistan has been an incredible mediator throughout this process, and we really appreciate their friendship and their efforts to get this deal done. They are the only mediators in these negotiations,” she said.
She added that many countries had offered to help, but that President Trump believed it was important to “continue and streamline communication” across Pakistan.
A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Munir’s visit was aimed at “narrowing the gaps” between Tehran and Washington, an indication that Pakistan is now deeply involved in shaping the contours of any future deal.
The latest diplomatic push comes after nearly 21 hours of intense negotiations in Islamabad between U.S. and Iranian officials ended without a deal.
Iran presented a ten-point proposal during these negotiations, calling for the withdrawal of US forces, the lifting of sanctions and the recognition of its sovereignty over strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran citing a lack of trust and what it called excessive American demands.
Despite the impasse, both sides have kept communication channels open across Pakistan, sparking cautious optimism that a second round could result in progress.
On the nuclear issue, Iran has shown limited flexibility. Baqaei noted that while uranium enrichment remains a long-standing point of contention, “there is room for discussion on the type and level of enrichment,” while insisting that Iran must maintain enrichment capacity based on its national needs.
State-linked Iranian media suggested that Tehran would decide on its participation in the next round of negotiations after consulting the visiting Pakistani delegation.
Reports also highlighted a recent ceasefire agreement involving Lebanon as a “positive signal” for future negotiations, although Iran stressed that Washington must adopt a “reasonable framework” and avoid derailing negotiations with maximalist demands.
Although U.S. officials have expressed interest in continuing the dialogue, no date has yet been set for the next round.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia is seen as a critical part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic calculus.
During his stay in Jeddah, the Prime Minister met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi leaders and discussed regional security and ongoing efforts to stabilize the Middle East.
Shehbaz is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials.
His broader itinerary includes visits to Qatar and Turkey, where he will participate in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum and engage with world leaders to rally support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
Pakistan’s intensified diplomacy follows its role in brokering a two-week ceasefire on April 8, which created space for the first round of high-profile talks in Islamabad.
The conflict, sparked by escalating hostilities involving Iran, the United States and regional players, had threatened to escalate into a wider war, prompting Islamabad to intervene as a neutral facilitator.
Officials say Pakistan’s approach has been to maintain balanced engagement with all stakeholders while leveraging its credibility to bridge divisions.
The latest coordinated action combining military-level engagement in Tehran and political diplomacy in Gulf capitals suggests that Islamabad is attempting to align regional players ahead of the next round.
With tensions still simmering and trust deficits running deep, the success of the next round of negotiations will depend heavily on Pakistan’s ability to help the two sides agree on a workable framework.
For now, the signals remain mixed, but the intensity of Pakistan’s diplomatic activity indicates a determination to move the process forward.
If successful, the effort could mark a rare diplomatic breakthrough in a conflict that has long defied resolution and significantly elevate Pakistan’s standing on the world stage.
