Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Tehran visit comes as Washington prepares tougher economic measures against Iran and regional tensions rise.
ISLAMABAD: 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 holding discussions aimed at promoting peace in the region.
According to Pakistani sources, the visit follows a recent conversation between Munir and US President Donald Trump, who urged Pakistan to help bring Tehran back to negotiations with Washington.
Munir is expected to meet senior Iranian officials and individuals close to the country’s leadership as diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify.
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 measures are expected to target Iran as well as 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 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. Iranian authorities issued warnings to shipping operators and listed vessels they said had violated Iranian restrictions.
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.
China has criticized Washington’s approach toward Tehran, saying sanctions and pressure tactics were unlikely to resolve disputes and pledging to take measures necessary to protect its economic interests.
Iran is already facing significant economic difficulties, including inflation, energy shortages, currency weakness and trade disruptions. The Iranian rial fell to another record low on Monday, adding to concerns about rising prices and worsening economic conditions.
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