Iran's Foreign Minister and Pakistan's Army Chief discuss efforts to end the war

Tehran — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir on Friday (22 May) discussed efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran. The talks took place after General Munir arrived in Tehran as part of Pakistan’s mediation drive to end the conflict triggered by the US and Israel’s strikes against Iran on 28 February. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the discussions continued late into the night and covered several diplomatic initiatives to prevent escalation and to seek an end to the war. The two sides also discussed how to strengthen peace, stability and security in the West Asia region, according to the ministry. Pakistan had previously helped push for a ceasefire on 8 April and subsequently hosted high-level talks between the US and Iran on 11-12 April. The United States and Iran are still negotiating over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s nuclear programme, and the demand for the removal of sanctions against Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday there had been little progress in the talks. Separately, President Donald Trump had previously said Washington postponed a new strike on Iran after a request from Gulf leaders; serious negotiations continue.