Pakistan Mediates US-Iran War Talks, Trump Pauses Strikes

Asim Munir, initiated back-channel communications between Tehran and US President Donald Trump's envoys, leading to a five-day pause in US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure amidst an ongoing US-Israel war against Iran. Pakistan is positioning itself as the lead mediator, leveraging Munir's ties to Tehran and warm relationship with Trump, as reported by The Financial Times.

Munir spoke with Trump on Sunday, following two previous meetings last year. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing solidarity and calling for collective efforts to reduce Middle East tensions.

Separately, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed regional developments with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy. The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disrupting global markets and aviation. Trump stated the pause in strikes followed "very good and productive" talks with Tehran.