Upon arriving in Tehran on Wednesday evening, Field Marshal Asim Munir was greeted warmly by Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister and chief negotiator. Clad in full military attire, the influential leader of Pakistan’s armed forces was stepping into a unique role as a proponent of peace—exactly what he aimed to achieve.
Munir made his way to Iran in what many perceived as a final effort to facilitate negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. Just four days prior, U.S. Vice President JD Vance departed from Islamabad after extensive discussions with Iranian officials failed to yield an agreement.
In a rapidly evolving situation, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the lack of progress, opting to impose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could potentially escalate tensions. However, he also commended Munir’s “fantastic” contributions to maintaining dialogue between the two nations. On the evening of his arrival, Munir brought a new proposal from Washington, outlining a framework for renewed discussions scheduled for next week in Islamabad.
Pakistan has positioned itself as an unexpected diplomatic intermediary between the U.S. and Iran, with Munir playing a pivotal role. He has been one of the few individuals capable of facilitating direct communication between the leadership of both countries, acting as a reliable conduit for messages. It is generally understood that these negotiations have been largely coordinated from Rawalpindi, the headquarters of the military, rather than from Islamabad, where the government operates.
Maleeha Lodhi, a former ambassador of Pakistan to the U.N., the U.S., and the U.K., noted, “Field Marshal Munir is the driving force—without him, this effort would not succeed.” She added that the foreign ministry plays a minimal role in these negotiations, as both Iran and the U.S. have placed their trust in Munir, making government ministers secondary to his influence.
Munir’s decisive phone calls were instrumental in the urgent international efforts last week, culminating in a last-minute ceasefire after Trump warned that Iran’s civilization would “die” if they did not reach a consensus. Reports suggest that Trump specifically urged Munir to leverage his understanding of Iranian leadership to facilitate a resolution. When U.S. and Iranian delegations convened in Islamabad on Saturday, Munir was present as a significant third party.
This week, Munir’s trip to Iran marked his role as a crucial messenger and negotiator, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia to garner regional support for Pakistan’s peace initiatives.
Experts highlight that it is not uncommon for the chief of Pakistan’s army—a powerful, unelected figure—to significantly influence the country’s foreign policy and represent it internationally, even when civilian leaders are in nominal control. U.S. presidents have historically favored engagement with military leaders over their democratically elected counterparts in Pakistan.
Initially, after his appointment in 2022, Munir was primarily focused on domestic matters, including suppressing political opposition and consolidating his authority within Pakistan. However, in the past year and a half, he has transformed into a global diplomat, forming significant relationships in Washington, Riyadh, and Tehran. By the end of 2025, he had visited the White House twice, facilitated U.S.-Pakistan agreements on cryptocurrency and mineral extraction, and established a defense pact with Saudi Arabia.
Lodhi remarked on Munir’s diplomatic effectiveness, stating, “He has excelled in fostering relationships with leaders and nations through consistent communication and visits. He is proactive and does not wait for others to reach out to him.” His recent diplomatic engagements illustrate his commitment to active diplomacy.
Munir’s ability to act as a trusted intermediary stems from his role in enhancing U.S.-Pakistan relations during the second Trump administration, utilizing a mix of strategic accomplishments, lobbying, and personal rapport. He facilitated Trump’s early successes by facilitating the extradition of several high-profile terrorists to the U.S.
Following U.S. intervention amidst rising India-Pakistan tensions in May 2025, Pakistan expressed gratitude to Trump and even nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Munir’s adept navigation of this situation further bolstered his standing both domestically and on the international stage.
Months later, after over $5 million was expended on lobbying efforts in Washington, Munir was invited to the White House for a private lunch, where he reportedly charmed Trump by discussing lucrative investment opportunities in Pakistan, spanning various sectors such as oil, minerals, and cryptocurrency.
Trump’s admiration for Munir was evident, as he invited him back to the Oval Office shortly thereafter, praising him as an “exceptional man,” a “greater fighter,” and “my favorite field marshal.”
Moreover, Munir has established effective communication with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Despite earlier tensions between Islamabad and Tehran due to cross-border incidents in January 2024, relations improved significantly last year following Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza and its bombings in Iran during a brief conflict. Public opinion in Pakistan remains largely supportive of Iran, even among Sunni Muslims.
As Avinash Paliwal, a lecturer in international relations at SOAS University of London, noted, Munir has “managed a difficult situation exceptionally well,” especially in his adept engagement with the Trump administration and his recognition of the significance of relationship-focused diplomacy.
He concluded, “The centralized, personalized leadership style of Field Marshal Munir allows Pakistan to maneuver with credibility in its mediating role.”
