CHIEF of Defence Forces (CDF) of Pakistan Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, is playing the key role to mediate peace and resolve the conflict between the United States and Iran. As Washington and Tehran lack formal diplomatic ties, Pakistan is acting as reliable power in crucial mediation, positioning Field Marshal Asim Munir as the trusted interlocutor between the warring sides.
Field Marshal Asim Munir has successfully secured the confidence of two bitter, non-communicating adversaries—the United States and Iran—proving Islamabad’s unique capability to command geopolitical trust. CDF recently concluded a high-stakes, 24-hour diplomatic mission in Tehran. He held direct negotiations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Encouraging news are pouring down regarding a peace centric US-Iran agreement leading to end of war hostilities. The first round of historic direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on 11 and 12 April, following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on 8 April.
Field Marshal contributed significantly to brokering the initial ceasefire framework that paused active hostilities between the US and Iran. The CDF previously visited Iran for three days last month, where he held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other officials. Pakistan has stepped up its diplomatic efforts to break the deadlock, sending the Interior Minister to Tehran on Wednesday for the second time in less than a week to resuscitate negotiations. He had previously met Iran’s President, Parliament Speaker and Foreign Minister over the weekend.
According to the reliable security sources, direct engagement of CDF yielded “encouraging progress towards a final understanding,” advancing a draft interim peace agreement to the leadership of USA and Iran. Mediation framework advanced by CDF successfully bridged the critical bottlenecks, moving beyond political signals into structured bargaining.
Mediation helped in resolving the Strait of Hormuz related maritime security, trade transit, issues and attempts to enforce restrictive tolling systems. Addressing Washington’s security demands regarding Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles and nuclear enrichment programs has emerged as the most complicated challenge in mediation. Besides these issues, CDF effectively engaged both sides in negotiating terms for frozen asset releases, economic sanctions relief for Iran and reciprocal security guarantees against renewed military action.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly praised Pakistan’s mediation, stating that the highest levels of the US government remain in “constant communication” with Field Marshal Asim Munir for his “admirable job” in easing tensions. The top civil and military leadership in Tehran formally acknowledged Pakistan’s sincere role as a communication bridge during severe geopolitical gridlocks.
The mediation is supported by parallel regional efforts, with Qatari delegations working alongside Pakistani negotiators in Tehran to solidifying the interim framework. Involvement of significant Middle Eastern players in mediation process is attributed to the lead role of CDF by the sources privy to the back channel diplomatic efforts.
The leading role of CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in US-Iran war mediation has fundamentally elevated Pakistan’s international stature. By transitioning from a state heavily entangled in internal crises into an essential global peacemaker, Pakistan has achieved what Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed a “shining moment” in its diplomatic history.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
