CDF heads to Tehran as Pakistan steps up mediation
Baghaei says visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Field Marshal Munir will hold talks with senior officials
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is set to travel to Tehran on Monday for high-level talks with Iranian officials. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, announced the visit, stating it is part of Pakistan's efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote peace and security in the region.
The CDF's trip is his fourth visit to Tehran since the Iran-US conflict began in February. This comes amid growing fears of further escalation and the potential for tougher US sanctions, with US President Donald Trump threatening severe economic consequences for countries supporting Iran. The visit aims to keep communication channels open between Tehran and Washington, as Pakistan has been a key mediator since the conflict escalated.
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed in June, provided a 60-day window for negotiations on key issues, including sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear program. However, the 60-day period expired on August 17 without a breakthrough, and Iran disputes the description of the timeframe as a deadline. Pakistan remains committed to its mediation efforts and sees the visit as an opportunity to prevent further escalation and maintain diplomatic space, particularly in light of growing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and the intensifying economic campaign against Iran by the United States.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
