Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met in Tehran on Friday, exchanging views on the latest diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, according to the Iranian government.
“Field Marshal Asim Munir met FM in Tehran to discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation and promoting peace, stability, and security in West Asia,” read a statement posted on X.
State media reported the meeting lasted late into the night and focused on the latest diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing further escalation and ending the conflict. A separate Qatari negotiating team also reached Tehran on Friday in coordination with the United States to help secure a deal and resolve outstanding issues, according to the Reuters news agency.
The field marshal’s visit to Iran is part of Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts to secure a permanent end to the Iran conflict. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is already in Tehran and received the field marshal at the airport alongside Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and others, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Islamabad hopes to convince both sides to agree to a draft framework with a potential second round of direct talks to follow in Islamabad. The first round was held in the federal capital on April 11 and 12.
Despite reports of the deal proceeding toward finality, Tehran early on Saturday accused the United States of “excessive demands.” At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump continues to threaten renewed conflict if Iran does not accept a deal to end the war.
According to media reports, the primary sticking points are the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which traffic has come to a virtual standstill amidst competing blockades by the U.S. and Iran; and Tehran’s nuclear enrichment program.
The war has proven devastating for the global economy, with oil prices surging and inflation ramping up.