Trump sought Pakistan's help to draw Iran back to talks

ISLAMABAD — Trump held discussions with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in the week prior to Munir's scheduled trip to the Iranian capital on Monday, three Pakistani sources confirmed on Saturday. The conversations centred on the United States' strategic objective of persuading Iran to re-engage in diplomatic negotiations, sources said.

One source indicated that Trump's principal request focused on mobilising Pakistan's diplomatic channels and bilateral relationship with Iran to facilitate a shift in Tehran's negotiating posture. Pakistan maintains significant historical and geopolitical ties with Iran, positioning it as a potential intermediary in broader regional diplomatic efforts.

The timing of Munir's Tehran visit suggests the discussions reflected broader American efforts to manage regional tensions. Pakistan, which shares a 909-kilometre border with Iran, has long played a delicate balancing role between Washington and Tehran while maintaining strategic partnerships with both nations.

The exchanges between Trump and Munir underscore Washington's reliance on regional military and political figures to advance its foreign policy objectives in South and West Asia. Pakistan's military leadership has historically wielded considerable influence in the country's diplomatic affairs.

Neither the U.S. State Department nor Pakistan's military spokesperson have publicly commented on the reported conversation or its contents.