Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has landed in Iran as part of a delegation to hold high-level talks on the resumption of talks between Iran and the US.
The delegation as per the media reports, is bringing a message from Washington to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, and we know that it has been received. It is also working very hard to coordinate the next round of talks here in Islamabad.
According to Iranian state media, the delegation is carrying a specific new message from the United States intended to outline a framework for a second round of high-level negotiations. This diplomatic push in Tehran comes as US President Donald Trump indicated that, while he is not considering extending the ongoing two-week ceasefire, a negotiated settlement remains the preferred path.
Direct talks held on April 11-12 between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials lasted 21 hours but failed over “red line” issues, primarily Iran’s nuclear program. Vice President Vance departed Pakistan stating the US had left behind its “final and best offer,” while President Trump immediately announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to curb Iranian “extortion.”
Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif – the same man who nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize – is touring some of the regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar as well as Turkiye.
The urgency as per the reports is being driven by the ceasefire expiring on April 22, and Pakistani officials are hoping they can get that extended. Sharif will try and convince regional partners to also use their leverage to convince the US to participate in new talks with Iran and make sure there is no diplomatic line-crossing.
