Trump, Gen Asim Munir discuss Hormuz blockade: Reuters

ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump told Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir that he would consider his advice on the Strait of Hormuz blockade as a potential obstacle to peace talks with Iran, a Pakistani security source told Reuters on Monday.

The conversation took place during a phone call between the two leaders, the source added, amid heightened diplomatic activity over efforts to stabilise the region and resume negotiations with Tehran.

The call took place after Iran declined an invitation to participate in a second round of high-level talks with the United States, its foreign ministry said on Monday, dealing a setback to efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that conditions were “not conducive” to further dialogue, without providing further details.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route, has been at the centre of escalating tensions following naval incidents and competing claims of blockade enforcement between Washington and Tehran.

The Pakistani source said Munir raised concerns that continued disruption in the waterway could undermine prospects for dialogue and wider regional stability.

There was no immediate confirmation from the U.S. side regarding the details of the call.

Pakistan has played a mediating role in recent contacts between Washington and Tehran, hosting earlier rounds of discussions aimed at de-escalation, though outcomes have remained limited so far.