CDF Munir meets Pezeshkian as Pakistan pursues dialogue, regional peace efforts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Monday concluded a day-long visit to Tehran as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to end the stalemate in the US-Iran conflict and seek a lasting end to regional instability, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.

During the visit, CDF Munir met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme National Security Council representative Mohsen Rezaei, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. Discussions focused on preventing further escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and expediting an end to the conflict, ISPR said.

The two sides also discussed regional peace and ways to reach a negotiated settlement. Iranian leaders appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive role and sincere efforts” to facilitate dialogue, de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict, according to ISPR.

The visit adds fresh momentum to Islamabad’s mediation efforts as tensions remain centered on the conflict, sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan has continued to position dialogue and a negotiated settlement as the way forward, while Iran has also signaled support for diplomacy and defended the Islamabad memorandum as a framework for resolving the confrontation.

Separately, in a post on X, Interior Minister Naqvi said that he, along with CDF Munir, had a “very positive and productive meeting” with Iranian president. 

“Our discussion focused on the Iran US conflict, tensions in the Middle East and the way forward, as well as the steps needed by both sides for restoration of the Islamabad MoU thereby leading to comprehensive settlement of the conflict,” Naqvi said. 

“The Iranian president candidly shared his government’s perspective and concerns, and we had a very constructive exchange on the issues involved,” he added. 

The interior minister said that significant progress was made, and the meeting was concluded on a “highly positive note.” 

“We remain hopeful that this momentum will help pave the way for further progress and lasting peace in the region,” he said.