The diplomatic machinery that produced the Islamabad talks is in motion again. Pakistan’s most powerful military figure, Field Marshal Asim Munir — the man Trump has called his “favourite field marshal” — flew to Tehran on Wednesday, landing to a formal welcome from Iranian officials, carrying messages from Washington and a mandate to revive the stalled peace process before time runs out.
A second round of talks, almost certainly back in Islamabad, is now more likely than not.
What Happened in Tehran
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi took part in a preliminary meeting with Asim Munir, Pakistan’s chief of the army staff, Iranian state media reported. Talks would continue Thursday.
Pakistan’s army chief landed in Tehran to a warm welcome from officials as he tries to help renew talks between the United States and Iran after the two sides failed to clinch a peace agreement in Islamabad over the weekend. Field Marshal Asim Munir and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with a delegation of officials, arrived in Iran’s capital as part of the “ongoing mediation efforts,” Pakistan’s military said in a statement.
Sources told Al Jazeera that Pakistani mediators are optimistic about a potential major breakthrough on the nuclear front — which is the reason for Munir’s rare diplomatic trip.
What the White House Said
The Trump administration feels “good about prospects of a deal” with Iran, the White House said Wednesday, while noting that Pakistan would be the likely location of a potential second round of in-person talks. “Nothing is official until you hear it from us here at the White House,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “But we feel good about the prospects of a deal.” She added that any US delegation would very likely be returning to Islamabad. “They would very likely be in the same place as they were last time,” Leavitt said.
What Iran Said
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran is open to discussing the type and level of its uranium enrichment, but his country “based on its needs, must be able to continue enrichment,” Iranian state media reported.
Araghchi’s language after the meeting with Munir was notably warmer than Tehran’s public posture since the Islamabad collapse. Araghchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s hosting of talks, calling it a reflection of the “depth and strength” of bilateral relations. “Our commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region remains firm,” he said.
Why Munir Is the Key Figure
Pakistan’s powerful army chief Asim Munir has been key to his country’s role as mediator. Munir has built a rapport with Donald Trump, who has described him as “his favourite field marshal.” But Munir also knows the leadership of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, since he served as head of military intelligence a decade ago — a rare combination of trusted relationships on both sides of the conflict.
“The urgency is being driven by the ceasefire expiring on April 22, and Pakistani officials are hoping they can get that extended,” said Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett from Islamabad. “Sharif will try and convince regional partners to also use their leverage to convince the US to participate in new talks with Iran.”
What Comes Next
While reports, including Trump’s own remarks, suggest Islamabad would be the likely host for a second round, no announcement has been made. The thorniest issue remains Iran’s nuclear programme — the US and Israel are pushing for complete restrictions on uranium enrichment, while Iran insists its enrichment effort is for civilian purposes only.
Six days until the ceasefire expires. A Pakistani army chief in Tehran. A White House that says it feels “good.” The next 48 hours will determine whether there is a round two — or whether the calendar runs out.
