Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Meets Iranian Leaders as Fresh US-Iran Talks Loom

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Meets Iranian Leaders as Fresh US-Iran Talks Loom

Tehran/Islamabad, Apr 17 (VoM News): Asim Munir, the powerful head of Pakistan’s armed forces, visited Iran on Thursday, holding key talks with senior Iranian leadership amid renewed diplomatic efforts to revive US-Iran negotiations.

According to Iranian state media, Munir met Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who had earlier led Tehran’s delegation during the first round of talks with the United States in Islamabad last week.

The initial round of negotiations, led by JD Vance, ended without a breakthrough, but both sides have indicated willingness to continue dialogue.

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In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said another round of talks is “very likely” to take place in Islamabad, adding that discussions are ongoing and prospects of a deal remain positive.

Pakistan reiterated its role as a mediator, with foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stating that facilitation efforts did not end with the previous round and are continuing actively.

The renewed optimism follows a diplomatic push by Shehbaz Sharif, who recently held talks with Mohammed bin Salman during a regional outreach.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel and the United States share common objectives, including curbing Iran’s nuclear programme and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The strait, which handles nearly one fifth of global oil trade, remains partially choked amid the ongoing conflict and US-led blockade of Iranian ports.

The United States claims the blockade has significantly restricted Iran’s maritime trade, with military officials stating that multiple vessels attempting to leave Iranian ports have been turned back.

However, conflicting reports suggest some shipping activity continues, while Iranian officials have warned of escalation if the blockade persists.

Iran has also issued strong warnings, with senior officials threatening retaliation against US naval presence in the region if pressure tactics continue.

At the core of the negotiations remains Iran’s nuclear programme. Donald Trump has insisted that any agreement must ensure Tehran never acquires nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains its programme is for peaceful purposes and has called its right to uranium enrichment “indisputable.”

With tensions high and diplomacy ongoing, the coming days are expected to be crucial in determining whether talks can yield a breakthrough or the conflict deepens further.