DG ISPR expresses cautious optimism on Iran-US mediation, cites ‘powerful opponents’

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Army is cautiously optimistic about efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States, the Pakistan Army spokesman and Director General ISPR, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said on Friday. It is his first interview since a high-level delegation went to Tehran.

Field Marshal Asim Munir is leading Pakistan’s efforts to end the eight-month-old Iran war. He has visited Tehran twice this month. The latest visit took place on Monday. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin accompanied him.

Asked whether the visit was a positive sign, the DG ISPR said the Field Marshal would not have gone a second time if there were nothing positive. He said he always used the words “cautious optimism”. He said some powerful opponents still existed who believed the conflict served their interests. He did not name anyone.

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said after Monday’s talks that the countries of the region should shoulder responsibility for regional security without outside interference.

Pakistan brokered a ceasefire in April after the war began, but efforts for a lasting settlement have stalled. On 26 October, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye agreed to continue dialogue for regional peace and security.