US-Iran deal: Munir departs Iran after key meetings with Iranian top officials

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has successfully concluded his less-than-24-hour visit to Iran as part of intensifying diplomatic efforts aimed at easing escalating US-Iran tensions, the ISPR said.

According to the ISPR, the Field Marshal met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi after being received by Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.

During the key meetings, discussions focused on reducing regional tensions and promoting constructive relations between the two countries. The Iranian leadership appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in supporting a peaceful resolution to the current regional situation and praised Islamabad’s sincere efforts to promote dialogue, the ISPR added.

Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran for high-level talks to advance diplomatic initiatives.

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The military’s media wing said the engagements formed part of broader mediation efforts aimed at encouraging regional stability and constructive engagement.

Meanwhile, Iran said that any mechanism related to the Strait of Hormuz should be agreed upon by Iran, Oman, and other coastal states bordering the strategic waterway, according to Reuters.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the United States “has nothing to do” with such arrangements, Al Jazeera reported.

He further said Tehran is focused on finalising a memorandum of understanding through Pakistani-mediated talks between Iran and the United States, according to Iranian state media.

Iran has also warned of opening “new fronts” against the United States and its allies after former President Donald Trump threatened renewed attacks on Tehran.

On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in New Delhi that there is a possibility Iran could accept a deal aimed at ending the Middle East conflict as early as Saturday, according to AFP.

Rubio said an announcement could come later today, tomorrow, or within the next few days, adding that he remained hopeful for “good news.”

Earlier, the US secretary of state confirmed that Pakistan continues to serve as the principal mediator in Washington’s high-stakes negotiations with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Speaking in Sweden after meetings with NATO allies, Rubio praised Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, calling its role “admirable” and noting that communication remains open at the highest levels.

Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi in Tehran for late-night talks focused on diplomatic efforts to halt US-Israeli aggression and strengthen regional peace and stability.

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It maybe recalled that US and Israel jointly launched what they described as a “pre-emptive” strike against Iranian targets on February 28, with President Donald Trump announcing the start of “major combat operations.”

During the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, after which Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded him as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.

Iran and the United States later agreed to a two-week ceasefire on April 8, which was subsequently extended indefinitely and remains in place.

Pakistan hosted the first round of face-to-face talks between the US and Iran in 47 years in April. While the discussions ended without a breakthrough, they also did not collapse, with Islamabad continuing to push for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.