Pakistan army chief arrives in Iran as US threatens 'economic war'

Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Monday, amid escalating tension between Iran and the United States and Washington’s proclaimed intention to launch a “maximum economic war” against Iran.

Iran in response has threatened to retaliate and target US economic interests in the region.

Munir’s visit comes as Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi is scheduled to visit Tehran tomorrow, Tuesday, as part of efforts to establish a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Before traveling to Tehran, Munir held a phone call with US President Donald Trump, according to Reuters, which cited three Pakistani sources.

Iranian media said that Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is accompanying Munir on his visit. Naqvi visited Iran on August 11, where he held talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The visit comes ahead of an expected US announcement on Monday of an unprecedented economic war aimed at Iran’s trading partners, meant to isolate the country economically.

In a statement on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral Iranian-Pakistani cooperation, as well as continuing Pakistan’s “good” efforts to promote peace and security in the region.

Baghaei reiterated on Monday that relations between Tehran and Islamabad are currently at “their best stage,” explaining that both sides are “determined to expand cooperation in all areas based on their shared ties.”

Pakistan’s mediation efforts

Munir’s visit to Tehran comes after Baghaei said at a press conference on August 17 that communication channels between Tehran and Islamabad remain open and active.

Baghaei said that Pakistan is attempting to use its influence to mediate between Tehran and Washington.

He also spoke about challenges facing the mediation effort, saying that repeated US reneging on commitments - as had previously happened during Oman’s mediation efforts - had once again damaged the mediation process, this time with regard to Pakistan’s role.

Since the war against Iran began on February 28, Pakistan has played a mediating role between Tehran and Washington.

Its efforts, together with Qatari mediation, resulted in the two sides reaching a ceasefire on April 8 and a memorandum of understanding on June 18.

However, the memorandum lasted only 23 days, after which both sides abandoned their commitments under it, amid mutual accusations of violations.

Since then, mediators have been making intensive efforts to bring Tehran and Washington back to the negotiating table and reduce tensions in the region.