Asim Munir’s Riyadh Meeting Triggers Iran’s Pledge: No More Strikes on Neighbours, Hormuz Shipping Resumes

In a development hailed by many in Pakistan as a major diplomatic success, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on state television that his country would no longer attack neighbouring Gulf states unless attacks on Iran originate from their territory, coming shortly after Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met Saudi Defence Minister HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh.

The high-level meeting focused on Iran’s recent missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations hosting U.S. assets. Both sides discussed joint measures to halt such actions under the framework of their Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, with Prince Khalid urging Iran to “prioritise wisdom and reason” and avoid miscalculations that threaten regional stability.

Hours later, Pezeshkian issued a public apology to affected neighbours—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman—for prior incidents he described as resulting from “miscommunication in the ranks.” He stated: “I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran’s actions,” and declared, “From now on we won’t attack neighbouring countries unless attacked first.”

Government sources in the Gulf region confirmed that maritime cargo and tanker traffic near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of global oil and significant LNG supplies, has begun to resume following the pledge. Shipping had nearly halted amid the conflict, with vessels anchoring in safer waters due to security risks and insurance concerns.

Widespread commentary in Pakistani circles, all crediting Field Marshal Asim Munir’s engagement in Riyadh for influencing Tehran’s policy shift and helping de-escalate tensions that had paralysed the strait. Pakistan’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy, balancing strong ties with Saudi Arabia and relations with Iran, is seen as playing a key role in preventing wider disruption.