Pakistan's Army Chief Visits Iran Amid Rising Tensions with the US
Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's Army Chief, has made a historic visit to Iran, becoming the first foreign leader to do so amid escalating US-Iran tensions. His close ties with both the US and Iran's military leadership raise concerns about Pakistan's role in regional politics. Munir's discussions with Iranian officials, including those from the IRGC, highlight the complex dynamics at play. Analysts warn that his connections could pose significant implications for US-Pakistan relations. This visit aims to solidify peace agreements, showcasing the growing influence of the military in Pakistan's civilian leadership.
| Apr 20, 2026, 15:09 IST
Pakistan's Army Chief Makes Historic Visit to Iran
Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, has become the first foreign leader to visit Iran following the escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran. His close ties with former US President Donald Trump are well-known, but he also maintains strong relationships with Iran's military leadership. According to reports, Munir began fostering relations with Iran during his tenure as the Director General of Military Intelligence in 2016 and 2017, engaging in discussions with Iranian officials. Retired Pakistani General Ahmed Saeed informed that Munir is in talks with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Saeed noted that in addition to the IRGC, Munir has connections with Iran's regular army and intelligence agencies. He mentioned that Munir had personal ties with Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, who was killed in a US strike in 2020, and with Commander Hossein Salami, who was killed in an Israeli attack in 2025. Internationally, Munir remains a significant figure with personal connections to Iran's intelligence community, military structure, diplomatic circles, and political leadership. Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warned that Trump's administration should be cautious about trusting Pakistanis, as Munir's ties with the IRGC represent a significant red flag for the US.
Roggio emphasized that Trump should be wary of Pakistanis, labeling them as deceitful allies in Afghanistan, where they pretended to be friends while supporting the Taliban. He believes that Munir's connections with the IRGC should be viewed as a major warning sign for the Trump administration. Pakistani analyst Raza Rumi remarked that the rise of figures like Munir illustrates how the military is increasingly dominating civilian leadership in Pakistan. Munir recently concluded a three-day visit to Iran aimed at solidifying peace agreements, during which he met with top Iranian leaders and peace negotiators, including the President, Foreign Minister, Speaker of Parliament, and the head of Iran's military central command.