Trump Holds Phone Call with Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir Amid Escalating Iran Crisis

US President Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday, as diplomatic efforts intensify to de-escalate the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran.

The White House confirmed the conversation took place, describing the matters discussed as “highly sensitive.” Officials declined to provide further details, stating that the United States would not conduct negotiations through the media.

According to sources briefed on the call, the discussion centred on the Iran conflict, with Pakistan positioning itself as a potential mediator. Islamabad is leveraging its longstanding ties with Tehran to offer itself as a venue for possible backchannel or direct talks between Washington and Tehran.

The call comes as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately held conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging restraint and dialogue. Pakistani leadership has been actively engaged in parallel diplomatic outreach, balancing relations with the US, Iran, and Gulf allies while avoiding direct involvement in the fighting.

Analysts view the Trump-Munir conversation as a sign of Pakistan’s growing role in Middle East diplomacy. Munir, who enjoys a notably warm rapport with Trump, has been praised repeatedly by the US president in the past for his influence and leadership.

Trump has previously described Munir as a “highly respected” general, a “great fighter,” “extremely influential,” and even his “favourite Field Marshal.” The two have met in person, including at the White House, where discussions reportedly touched on regional security and past de-escalation efforts.

The latest outreach occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with fears of a wider regional war. Trump recently postponed threatened strikes on Iranian infrastructure, citing “productive” discussions, though Tehran has publicly denied direct negotiations with Washington.

This development underscores Pakistan’s strategic importance in current global diplomacy, with both its civilian government and military leadership playing visible roles in efforts to broker peace.