Pakistan Army Chief in Tehran: A Diplomatic Gambit Amidst US-Iran Standoff and Rising Oil Prices

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has arrived in Tehran leading an official delegation for high-level discussions with senior Iranian officials. This visit occurs amidst stalled diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict between Iran and the US. Field Marshal Munir's agenda in the Iranian capital includes discussions on conflict resolution and broader regional developments, as reported by the official Irna news agency. Islamabad has consistently played a crucial role in mediating talks between Washington and Tehran, maintaining close ties with both parties.

Meanwhile, Qatar, another key mediator, stated on Tuesday that communication between Iran and the US has not ceased, with the objective of reaching a resolution as swiftly as possible. However, Ibrahim Al Hashmi, media director at Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, voiced concerns regarding threats to undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as dangers posed by sea mines and oil spills. He warned that these threats could negatively impact regional countries, including Iran, and urged Tehran to uphold freedom of navigation and environmental protection principles. This statement follows remarks by Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, who suggested that regional undersea cables, data centers, and AI sites could face attacks if hostilities with the US escalate.

Field Marshal Munir’s visit coincides with reports from Reuters, citing Iranian officials, that Tehran has been intentionally prolonging negotiations with Washington to politically undermine US President Donald Trump before the November midterm elections, while simultaneously preparing for potential renewed military action. One Iranian official was quoted as saying, “Iran is preparing for renewed Israeli and US attacks, not for a deal with America to end the war,” adding, “The clerical establishment is determined not to give Trump a political victory.” The same report indicated that Iranian officials see little chance of a breakthrough before the November 3 vote.

The visit may also be linked to rising oil prices. Tehran is reportedly seeking the fulfillment of its conditions for ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz before commencing nuclear negotiations. Iran has proposed reopening the vital waterway within seven days under its control, in exchange for the lifting of the US maritime blockade, easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports, the release of frozen assets, and an end to hostilities on all fronts. This deadlock occurs as Iran's economy grapples with significant pressure from sanctions and the blockade, leading to continued disruptions in shipping through the strait.

Iran's hardline news agency Fars suggested that Field Marshal Munir’s visit was connected to the surge in oil prices. The agency reported that the trip, which appeared unlikely as late as Sunday, was finalized on Monday afternoon as crude oil prices neared $110 a barrel. A source told Fars that previous visits by mediators had helped to stabilize oil prices but had not yielded substantial progress in negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that Tehran’s proposal remained on the table and that messages were still being exchanged via mediators.

The Reuters report also indicated that Tehran anticipates potential US and Israeli attacks, despite Mr. Trump’s assertions that Washington would not strike Iran again before November 3. Officials noted that Tehran’s distrust of Washington has intensified following past attacks that disrupted diplomatic efforts, including strikes in June 2025 and the commencement of the war in February, shortly after another round of talks concluded. The threat of renewed military action extends to Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried site near the Natanz nuclear complex. Tehran has warned that any US attack on this site would result in retaliation. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei dismissed claims that Washington could strike the site without facing a response, calling such notions “nothing more than a claim.” He stated, “Do you believe Iran would say ‘strike’ and we would remain silent?” adding that “the era of hitting and running is over.” Mr. Baghaei asserted that Iran would not leave any attack unanswered and warned that the US would suffer a blow of at least equal magnitude to any strike it carried out. Mr. Trump has previously threatened a possible strike on Pickaxe Mountain, where Iran is constructing a heavily fortified underground facility of unclear purpose.