Field Marshal Asim Munir arrives in Tehran on official visit: ISPR
CDF Munir was received and warmly welcomed by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.
Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Friday as part of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to mediate tensions between the United States and Iran. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the field marshal was warmly received at the airport by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also present during the reception ceremony.
Security officials said the visit is highly significant and comes at a time of intense diplomatic activity in the region. During the visit, Field Marshal Munir is expected to discuss key regional matters, including the ongoing US-Iran negotiations, the fragile ceasefire situation, regional peace, and long-term stability in the Middle East. Sources added that he is also scheduled to meet several senior Iranian officials and influential personalities to strengthen diplomatic coordination between the two neighboring countries.
At the same time, a Qatari delegation reportedly arrived in Tehran in coordination with the United States to assist in mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and resolving remaining disputes with Iran. According to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters, the Qatari team’s objective is to help both sides reach a final agreement that could formally end hostilities and establish a broader framework for peace.
This development marks a notable shift in Qatar’s position. Although Qatar has long acted as a mediator in international conflicts, including the Gaza war, it had initially stayed away from direct involvement in the Iran crisis after Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted areas linked to the Gulf state during the recent conflict. However, Qatar’s renewed diplomatic engagement highlights its continuing importance as a trusted communication channel between Washington and Tehran and its strategic alliance with the United States.
Pakistan has emerged as one of the primary mediators since tensions escalated between the United States and Iran. Last month, Field Marshal Munir completed a three-day visit to Iran, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a Pakistani delegation. During that visit, the delegation held extensive meetings with Iran’s top leadership.
According to the ISPR, Field Marshal Munir met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and also held separate discussions with Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Major General Ali Abdollahi.
The talks focused mainly on regional security, diplomatic engagement, and ways to achieve sustainable peace in the Middle East. The Pakistani delegation emphasized that dialogue, de-escalation, and continuous diplomatic engagement remain the only viable solutions to the ongoing conflict. Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting stability and avoiding further military escalation in the region.
During the visit, the Pakistani military chief also conveyed goodwill messages from Pakistani President and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Iranian leadership. He expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by Iran and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen its historic and brotherly relationship with Tehran.
The ISPR described the visit as part of Pakistan’s broader effort to encourage a negotiated settlement to the Middle East crisis and to support peace, prosperity, and long-term regional stability.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later welcomed the Pakistani delegation publicly and praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue. He thanked Islamabad for hosting diplomatic discussions and said Iran values its close bilateral relationship with Pakistan. Araghchi added that both countries share a strong commitment to regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington had agreed to extend the ceasefire with Iran following requests from Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the ceasefire extension would remain effective until Iran submits a unified proposal for peace negotiations.
Trump stated that the Iranian government appeared internally divided and that the United States was willing to pause further military action temporarily to allow diplomacy to continue. However, he also noted that the US military would remain fully prepared and maintain the existing blockade while awaiting the outcome of negotiations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later responded through a post on X, thanking President Trump for accepting Pakistan’s request to extend the ceasefire. The prime minister said Pakistan would continue to play an active role in seeking a peaceful and negotiated resolution to the conflict.
He also expressed hope that all parties involved would respect the ceasefire agreement and work toward a comprehensive peace deal during the second round of negotiations expected to take place in Islamabad. According to Sharif, the ultimate goal is to secure a permanent end to the conflict through diplomacy rather than military confrontation.