Pakistan's military chief departs for Iran: what will be discussed?

Pakistan’s military chief, Marshal Asim Munir, has departed for an official visit to Tehran, Iran. Munir’s visit to Tehran comes as Iran weighs the latest United States proposal to end the Middle East war. According to AFP, Friday 22 May 2026, Pakistan, Iran’s eastern neighbour, has become a mediator between Tehran and Washington in efforts to end the conflict, which erupted on 28 February when the United States and Israel launched an attack. ‘Munir has departed today for an official visit during which he will hold meetings with Iranian leaders,’ a Pakistani source said. Iranian media reported on Thursday 21 May that Munir was scheduled to arrive in Tehran that day to continue ‘talks and consultations’ with Iranian authorities. Munir’s visit comes after Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi travelled to Iran and met with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistan hosted in April the only direct negotiations between US and Iranian officials since the war began. Munir was at the centre of attention during the round of talks, greeting both delegations on their arrival and displaying cordiality with US Vice President JD Vance. However, the talks ultimately failed, with Iran accusing the US of making ‘excessive demands’. Since then, both sides have exchanged various proposals, with the threat of renewed war looming. A ceasefire agreement since 8 April has halted hostilities, but US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that the window for diplomacy is narrowing.