ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is “cautiously optimistic” about its ongoing Iran-US mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict between Tehran and Washington, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday, expressing hope for progress through continued diplomatic engagement.
In his first interview since a high-level Pakistani delegation visited Tehran earlier this week, the military spokesman highlighted the significance of repeated diplomatic engagements led by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Pakistan’s Iran-US Mediation: Field Marshal’s Repeated Visits to Tehran Signal Diplomatic Progress
Responding to a question about whether Pakistan’s mediation efforts were showing positive signs, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the Field Marshal’s repeated visits to Tehran reflected the possibility of progress.
“Why would the Field Marshal be going twice if it is not for some positivity? So yes, of course,” he said.
However, he emphasised that Islamabad remained “cautiously optimistic” about the outcome of the diplomatic process.
The ISPR chief also warned of “powerful spoilers and detractors” who believe the ongoing conflict serves their interests, without identifying them.
Field Marshal Munir visited Tehran twice this month, with his latest visit on Monday accompanied by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.
Following the discussions, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stressed that regional security should be maintained by countries in the region without foreign intervention.
Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative comes amid continuing regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, as Islamabad seeks to facilitate de-escalation and promote a peaceful resolution.
