Pakistan army chief holds talks in Iran amid mediation efforts to end US war

Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir held a series of high-level meetings in Tehran on Friday and Saturday as Islamabad steps up diplomatic outreach aimed at supporting dialogue between Iran and the United States.

Munir was received on arrival by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, with engagements continuing through the following day, according to Iranian media.

What did Pakistan's army chief discuss in Tehran?

Munir met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Discussions focused on regional security and efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the visit was aimed at facilitating message exchanges between Tehran and Washington.

Baqaei was quoted by Al Arabiya as saying that Tehran and Washington remained "very far from and very close to an agreement," reflecting the fragile and unresolved state of negotiations.

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Islamabad has not issued an official statement detailing the outcome of the meetings.

The visit comes as Pakistan seeks to consolidate its role as a facilitator of dialogue between the two sides amid renewed diplomatic activity across the region.

What is Pakistan's role in US-Iran peace talks?

In recent months, Pakistan has positioned itself as a channel for backdoor communications between Washington and Tehran, including hosting rare direct contacts earlier this year, according to officials familiar with the process.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday he hoped Pakistani efforts would help advance negotiations, adding that Pakistani representatives were expected to travel to Tehran as part of ongoing contacts. President Donald Trump has described the talks as hovering at a "borderline" stage between a possible deal and renewed military escalation.

Munir's trip also coincides with broader Pakistani diplomatic engagement, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertakes a separate four-day visit to China focused on economic and strategic cooperation.

Where do Iran-US negotiations stand after the ceasefire?

Diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran has continued intermittently since an April 8 ceasefire halted fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran. Both sides have exchanged proposals, but key differences remain unresolved. Iranian officials have said Tehran is reviewing US proposals while maintaining demands over frozen assets and maritime restrictions.

Concerns have also persisted over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route where wartime disruptions continue to affect shipping movement and insurance costs.

Iran has maintained heightened security measures in the waterway, while regional actors including the United Arab Emirates have raised concerns over any unilateral changes to navigation arrangements in the strategic corridor.