Pakistan's Army Chief Visits Iran Amid Regional Tensions

Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir will visit Iran on Monday (August 24). Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei issued a statement on Sunday, saying that the visit is to advance efforts to bring peace and security to the region. However, Munir's visit comes at a time when Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have signed the Mecca Agreement. Iran remains in dispute with the United States over Hormuz. Pakistan has played a mediatory role in talks between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the war that began after a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran in February. News agency Reuters quoted sources as confirming Munir's visit. The first source said that Iran and Pakistan are in direct contact. The second source said the talks will also include discussions on recent events related to the conflict. Saudi Arabia and Iran's threats to impose sanctions. President Trump has said that Iran's peace deal with Saudi Arabia, including the MOU with Turkish leaders, was signed after Trump's announcement.