Claims that CDF Munir visited Iran as envoy for US 'incorrect, misleading': FO

The Foreign Office (FO) has categorically denied recent claims that Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Iran as an "envoy" of the United States. The army chief's day-long visit to Tehran on August 24 was part of Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing US-Iran conflict, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified during a press briefing in Islamabad that the discussions during Munir's visit "focused on regional de-escalation, breaking the military stalemate and exploring a negotiated settlement to restore peace and stability." Andrabi emphasized that claims suggesting Munir and COAS visited Iran as representatives of President Trump or the US are both misleading and factually incorrect, as the visit was undertaken solely in the context of Pakistan's role as a mediator.

He further noted that the Iranian leadership recognized Pakistan's efforts towards de-escalation and achieving a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Andrabi stressed Pakistan's continued commitment to engaging with other countries in efforts to resolve crises in the Middle East and Gulf regions, and to revive peace talks with the US and Iran.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also engaged with his counterparts, speaking multiple times with Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan over the past two weeks.