Pakistan army chief to visit Tehran amid Iran-US mediation efforts

Tehran, Iran. Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran on Monday to continue efforts to promote peace and security in the region, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said.

Pakistan has taken on a mediation role in negotiations between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February.

Planned talks

Two Pakistani government sources confirmed Munir’s visit to Reuters. One source said Iran and Pakistan were in direct contact.

A second source said the talks would address recent developments in the conflict, including US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tougher sanctions on Iran.

Munir will discuss peace under Islamabad’s memorandum of understanding, Trump’s warning, the situation following the Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi Arabia agreement and Houthi issues with Iranian leaders, the source said.

Sanctions and regional tensions

The visit comes amid heightened tensions as Iran threatens a military response to US plans for sanctions that could place further strain on the Islamic Republic’s economy.

The visit will coincide with a Monday announcement of details related to the planned sanctions, which US officials have described as “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran.

Trump has warned of economic consequences for any country providing “any type of lifeline to Iran” as he seeks to isolate the Islamic Republic.

Oil shipments are at a virtual standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, where Tehran has threatened to strike unauthorised oil tankers attempting to pass through the waterway. Iran’s economy is already under significant pressure from sanctions.