Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Iran on Tuesday, October 20. He is accompanied by a delegation. What is he doing in Iran?
Pakistan has played a role in US-Iran talks in the past. Pakistan has sought to reduce tensions and end the conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Pakistan has also increased its ties with Saudi Arabia. It has worked on a defense pact with Riyadh and another with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Pakistan’s ties with Iran are complex. Iran has decent relations with both Pakistan and India. Iran’s southeastern Balochistan region has experienced an insurgency. Pakistan’s Balochistan region, which borders Iran, also has an insurgency. As such, they share interests in that region. They may also share interests in Afghanistan and Central Asia.
The Pakistan visit comes right after Russia’s foreign minister arrived in Tehran on October 19. As such, Iran now appears at the nexus of important international meetings. “Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghei earlier said the visit was primarily focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad,” Turkey’s pro-government Anadolu noted.
Pakistan and Iran appear to have downplayed the chance that the Pakistan visit might lead to a deal with the US. They also appear to have downplayed the chance that Pakistan is sending a threatening message to the US.
US, Iran considering new strikes on Iran
The visit comes as the US appears to be considering new strikes on Iran. Israel is also on edge as elections approach. There are many factors at play. Officially, Iran and Pakistan are only talking about “bilateral ties” and ways to expand cooperation.
The Arab Weekly discussed the visit and noted that Islamabad seeks to mediate between Iran and the United States. The visit comes amid continued tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the war.
According to the report in The Arab Weekly on October 20, Munir's visit is part of Pakistan's efforts to maintain communication with both Washington and Tehran. Pakistan has emerged as an important intermediary during the conflict, seeking to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.
Munir previously held talks with Iranian officials over the summer. Those discussions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reducing military tensions and finding a way to end the war.
Strait of Hormuz remains key regional piece
The Strait of Hormuz is still a key issue for regional states. The Gulf countries had hoped that Russia’s foreign minister might discuss this with Iran. Iran does not seem ready to budge much. Oil prices have climbed over $100 dollars a barrel. The world economy appears in jitters.
The Arab Weekly noted that Iran has offered to reopen the strait within seven days, citing Reuters. However, Washington and Tehran continue to disagree over security guarantees and responsibility for maritime security. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has continued to excoriate the United States for tensions in the Gulf.
Pakistan's ability to mediate still exists because it maintains contacts with both sides. However, Pakistan has had trouble getting the proverbial ball to the end zone, since it hosted the Islamabad talks in April.
Pakistan faces significant obstacles to any new deal. It cannot force either side to accept an agreement.