Pakistan: Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to visit Tehran on Monday as tensions between Iran and the United States escalate over Washington’s planned sanctions and Tehran’s threat to disrupt Gulf oil exports.
According to Reuters, the Chief of Defence Forces is expected to meet senior Iranian leaders to discuss regional security, recent developments in the conflict, US President Donald Trump’s sanctions warning, and Pakistan’s ongoing peace efforts.
Pakistan has maintained direct communication with both sides and previously played a role in brokering a two-week ceasefire on April 8. Islamabad has also continued relaying messages between Washington and Tehran as direct talks remain stalled.
Could Iran’s Oil Threat Trigger a Wider Regional Crisis?
The visit comes as Iran has warned that continued economic pressure could prompt it to halt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf.
Iranian officials have threatened retaliation against countries supporting Washington’s economic campaign, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce additional sanctions targeting Iran and potentially countries maintaining economic ties with Tehran.
Any disruption to oil shipments through the Gulf could have consequences far beyond the region, affecting global energy supplies, shipping and fuel prices.
Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s engagement with Tehran assumes added significance. Islamabad’s diplomatic contacts with Washington, Tehran, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia give it an opportunity to support de-escalation while protecting regional stability and its own strategic interests.