Pakistan’s Munir spoke to Trump ahead of Tehran visit, say sources

Pakistan's military chief Asim Munir conversed with US President Donald Trump in a phone call last week, according to three Pakistani sources, ahead of Munir's scheduled talks in Tehran on Monday. The call transpired as the US authorities prepared to enforce severe economic sanctions on Iran and its trade partners. The White House Press Office did not immediately comment on the matter.

It remains unknown what topics Munir and Trump discussed during their call. Pakistan's military announced the visit on Monday, stating it was part of the nation's endeavors to foster regional peace and stability. Iranian authorities had also confirmed the visit on Sunday, emphasizing the focus on security and peace. In a prior statement, US President Trump threatened economic repercussions against any nation providing assistance to Iran, aiming to isolate the Islamic Republic.

Iran, reciprocated by threatening to cease all oil exports from the Gulf. Pakistan, which has played a pivotal role in mediating between the US and Iran this year, has maintained a trading relationship with Iran throughout the recent strife. Munir was expected to meet with individuals close to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Monday.

One Pakistani source disclosed that while the visit centered on US-Iran tensions, Munir was also anticipated to address recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the recently concluded mutual defense pact among Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Prior mediation efforts between Pakistan and the US-Iran resulted in an interim peace agreement in June, but the accord quickly unraveled due to escalating hostilities between Iran and the US that have the potential to escalate into a wider regional conflict in recent weeks.

A Pakistani source highlighted the prevailing distrust on both sides, suggesting that Munir's objective was to alleviate the lack of mutual confidence on Monday.