Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday met Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran during an official visit to the neighboring country, as Pakistan continues efforts to mediate a permanent ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
According to Iranian state media, the field marshal also visited the Iran armed forces’ Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters in Tehran, where Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi welcomed him.
The Army chief, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and several other Pakistani officials, reached Tehran on Wednesday. Their visit to the neighboring country coincides with diplomatic outreach to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conducting official visits to both countries this week.
During the Iran visit, the CDF held separate meetings with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Both officials were part of Iran’s peace talks delegation and had visited Islamabad last week.
In his talks with Pezeshkian, the Army chief discussed the evolving regional situation, with a particular focus on de-escalation efforts and the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement. Both sides exchanged views on prospects for peace and stability in the region and underscored the need for continued coordination to reduce tensions.
The meeting with Ghalibaf, meanwhile, focused on steps taken under the emerging framework aimed at ending hostilities. Field Marshal Munir also shared insights from his recent interactions in Tehran, while both sides deliberated on the broader regional security environment. The Army chief, per a statement, emphasized that efforts aimed at ending the conflict and reducing tensions must be pursued with consistency and seriousness, highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum in ongoing diplomatic and backchannel engagements.
While the first round of talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad ended inconclusively, both sides have indicated willingness to continue negotiations, with expectations of another round in the federal capital next week. A key aim of the Army chief’s visit, per Iran’s foreign ministry, was conveying messages of the U.S. to Tehran.
Iranian state media, citing a senior Iranian official, said Field Marshal Munir’s visit had helped reduce some differences, paving way for a potential extension to the existing ceasefire.
The mediation efforts have prompted praise for Pakistan globally, particularly from U.S. President Donald Trump. In a recent interview, Trump said it was “likely” the U.S. could continue talks with Iran in Islamabad. He also hinted that if a deal were in place, he could personally travel to Pakistan to sign it.