Field Marshal Munir leads Pakistan’s fresh Iran mediation push

Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, with Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim

Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, with Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir visiting Tehran as Washington prepares to announce a major new package of economic measures against Iran.

Munir arrived in the Iranian capital on Monday as part of Pakistan’s efforts to support regional peace and stability. Iranian media reported the visit, while Pakistani officials said the military chief was undertaking discussions aimed at promoting peace in the region.

Pakistani sources said the visit follows a recent conversation between Munir and US President Donald Trump. According to the sources, Trump urged Pakistan to help bring Tehran back to negotiations with Washington.

Munir is expected to hold meetings with senior Iranian officials and individuals close to Iran’s leadership. The visit comes at a sensitive time, as diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified and the prospect of further economic restrictions has raised concerns about regional stability.

The United States is preparing what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described as an exceptionally severe financial campaign against Iran and countries continuing to trade with it. Washington is expected to unveil details of the measures during a scheduled press conference.

The proposed action is expected to focus not only on Iran but also on countries and businesses maintaining economic and financial links with Tehran. The US administration has warned that governments continuing to support Iran’s economy could face consequences.

Iran has strongly rejected the US pressure campaign. Iranian officials have warned that continued economic pressure could trigger a major response, including restrictions on oil shipments through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that Iran could halt oil exports if what Tehran describes as an economic war continues. He also said countries assisting the US campaign could be viewed by Iran as participating in hostile action.

Tensions have also affected maritime traffic in the region. Iranian authorities issued warnings to shipping operators and listed vessels they said had violated Iranian restrictions. The developments have added to concerns about the security of one of the world’s most important energy routes.

Meanwhile, a projectile struck a tanker west of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu on Monday, according to maritime monitoring authorities. The incident reportedly caused a fire on the vessel’s main deck. The identity of those responsible was not immediately established.

The maritime incident has heightened concerns over the wider regional security situation, particularly as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect commercial shipping and global energy markets.

China has also criticized Washington’s approach toward Tehran. Beijing said sanctions and pressure tactics were unlikely to resolve disputes and pledged to take measures necessary to protect its economic interests.

China has remained an important buyer of Iranian oil despite years of US sanctions. Washington has intensified restrictions on Iran’s oil trade, while Iranian exports and international shipping routes have faced increasing pressure.

Iran is already dealing with significant economic difficulties. Inflation, energy shortages, currency weakness and disruptions to trade have placed additional pressure on the country’s economy. The Iranian rial fell to another record low on Monday, adding to concerns about rising prices and worsening economic conditions.

Iranian officials have dismissed repeated US claims that economic pressure could force political change in Tehran. However, officials and analysts have expressed concern that further sanctions could deepen economic hardship, fuel public dissatisfaction and increase domestic instability.

Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Iran has assumed greater importance. Islamabad has repeatedly emphasized dialogue and regional stability as the preferred way to address conflicts affecting neighbouring countries.