Pakistan’s military has expressed a cautiously optimistic view of the ongoing mediation between the United States and Iran, as regional powers work to revive a ceasefire that collapsed in June. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the army’s spokesperson, told Reuters that the recent visits of Pakistan’s chief mediator, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to Tehran were driven by positive developments.
Munir, who has flown to Tehran twice this month, was accompanied on his latest trip by Saudi and Turkish officials. The three leaders met with Iranian officials in an effort to restart the ceasefire that has been on hold for eight months. Chaudhry noted that the repeated visits suggest a constructive tone, saying, “Why would the Field Marshal be going twice if it is not for some positivity? So yes, of course.”
Despite the optimism, Chaudhry warned that “powerful spoilers and detractors” exist who may be working against the mediation process. He did not name these parties but emphasized that the army remains vigilant against any attempts to derail the talks.
The mediation effort has gained momentum with the arrival of Qatari mediators in Tehran and the participation of Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. The three countries recently signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a pact that treats an attack on any signatory as an attack on all. Analysts see the agreement as a strategic response to the shifting alliances caused by the Iran‑US conflict.
After the Monday talks, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, called for regional security to be managed by regional actors without foreign intervention. Chaudhry confirmed that the pact does not preclude new members, stating, “Anyone who has a shared vision of collective deterrence and regional peace, why not? Everyone is most welcome.”
When asked about the possibility of sending additional Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia under the agreement, Chaudhry said that any deployment would depend on the situation and the decision of the political leadership of both countries. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to defending Saudi Arabia and the holy sites of Mecca.
Source: Al Jazeera
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