CDF FM Asim Munir met Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad

by Aizaz ul haq | Apr 25, 2026

ISLAMABAD (April 25, 2026) — In a significant boost to regional mediation efforts, Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad on Saturday. The meeting, which included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and senior Iranian diplomats, serves as the military-diplomatic cornerstone for the second round of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Minister Araghchi arrived late Friday night, reportedly carrying Tehran’s formal response to U.S. proposals previously channeled through Pakistani intermediaries. This high-level coordination between Pakistan’s military leadership and the Iranian delegation is aimed at stabilizing a fragile ceasefire that has held since early April, despite unresolved disputes over naval blockades and nuclear restrictions.

Iranian FM @araghchi arrived in #Islamabad as part of a new phase of regional visits, and was received by Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, his Pakistani counterpart and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and commander of the armed forces of #Pakistan. https://t.co/eO5avH2hyh

— Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@Iran_GOV) April 24, 2026

Highlights

CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir and FM Abbas Araghchi discussed the diplomatic track and regional security in Islamabad.
Araghchi’s visit is primarily to convey Iran’s considered response to U.S. proposals following internal consultations.
White House advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are expected to arrive in Pakistan today for direct engagement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Pakistan as “incredible friends and mediators” in the peace process.
The goal is to bridge the sequencing gap between U.S. demands and Iranian preconditions to move beyond the current stalemate.

H.E. Dr Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Honorable Foreign Minister calls on Field Marshal Seyed Asim Munir, NI(M), HJ, COAS & CDF pic.twitter.com/sihS0yB3NJ

— Embassy of IR Iran Pakistan (@IraninIslamabad) April 25, 2026

The diplomatic activity in Islamabad has reached a fever pitch, with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner scheduled to begin direct, Pakistan-intermediated talks with the Iranian team this weekend. While the first round of talks on April 11-12 lasted over 20 hours without a formal agreement, the current phase is viewed with cautious optimism. The White House noted “some progress” from the Iranian side in recent days, a sentiment echoed by the fluid but active communication channels managed by the Pakistani Foreign Office and military.

For Islamabad, the presence of both delegations underscores its pivotal role as a neutral arbiter in the Middle East’s most volatile standoff. Minister Araghchi emphasized that “neighbors are our priority” before departing on a regional tour that includes Oman and Russia. With Vice President JD Vance reportedly on standby to fly to Pakistan if a breakthrough appears imminent, the next 48 hours are expected to determine whether the “Islamabad Dialogue” can transition from a fragile ceasefire into a sustainable peace framework.