Pakistani army chief arrives in Tehran for mediation talks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 15:32 · Archive

Pakistan's military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has landed in Tehran for talks amid renewed risk of escalation in the Gulf, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. His arrival comes as fears of a renewed outbreak of war by the United States and Israel against Iran have risen in recent weeks. Munir has previously mediated between the Iranian leadership and the US.

The talks concern both a possible agreement between the US and Iran and the conflict in Yemen between the Iran-aligned Houthi militia and Saudi Arabia. As an ally of Saudi Arabia, Pakistani intelligence sources told the DPA news agency that Munir is to convey a message to Iran's government. An intelligence officer told DPA: 'Munir will tell them that the Houthis' aggression could also drag Pakistan into a conflict with Iran.'

The visit coincides with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's presence in Tehran on Monday for talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi. Pakistani intelligence sources described the visits by Lavrov and Munir as the start of a Russian de-escalation initiative for the region. The timing also follows a surprise visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Israel on Monday, where he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at an air force base in the south of the country.

How it is being reported

• Pakistani army chief arrives in Iran for mediationPakistani army chief Asim Munir, who has previously mediated between Iran and the United States, has landed in Tehran.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 14:55
• Pakistani army chief arrives in Iran for mediationPakistani army chief Asim Munir, who has previously mediated between Iran and the United States, has landed in Tehran.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 14:55

In this story: Asim Munir · Iran · United States · Israel · Sergei Lavrov · Benjamin Netanyahu · Pakistan · Saudi Arabia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem