Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir will travel to Tehran on Monday, August 24. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced the visit on Sunday. He said the trip supports efforts to promote peace and security across the region. Meanwhile, US-Iran tensions continue to rise. Reports also suggest that discussions could involve Iran’s possible participation in the Mecca Pact.
Pakistan has played a mediating role during talks between Iran and America. Those efforts seek to end the conflict that began after joint US-Israeli attacks against Iran in February. During Munir’s visit, both sides will discuss bilateral ties and regional developments. The talks may also cover Donald Trump’s warning about tougher sanctions against Iran.
What could Munir discuss with Iranian leaders?
According to sources, Munir will discuss several issues with Iranian leaders. These include peace under an Islamabad memorandum, Trump’s warning and the Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi agreement. The Houthi issue will also feature in discussions. His visit comes as Tehran threatens military action against America’s sanctions strategy.
Munir’s trip coincides with Washington’s planned announcement of new sanctions against Iran. American officials have described them as the toughest measures against Tehran. Trump has warned countries against providing assistance to Iran. He wants to isolate the Islamic Republic through stronger economic pressure.
Hormuz warning adds another layer
Meanwhile, oil shipments through Hormuz have come to a complete halt. Tehran has threatened action against unauthorised oil tankers attempting to cross the waterway. War-related disruption has severely affected shipping activity there. Around one-fifth of global energy supplies move through this maritime route.
Could Iran join the Mecca Pact?
Reports suggest that Iran’s possible entry into the Mecca Pact could feature during Munir’s discussions. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan reportedly invited Tehran to join the defence arrangement. However, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have not officially confirmed that invitation.
Mehdi Rahimi, head of Iran’s parliamentary news agency Khaneh Mellat, told Al Mayadeen about the invitation. He said officials are reviewing the proposal. Rahimi added that regional countries seek a shared security umbrella. He described such cooperation as favourable for Iran’s regional security interests.
Three countries signed the Mecca Pact
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the pact on August 7. Under its terms, an armed attack against one member counts as an attack against all three. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan compared the arrangement with NATO’s Article 5. However, he stressed that the alliance does not target Iran or another specific country.
The three members also plan diplomatic and military coordination. Their plans include ministerial meetings, military commander discussions, joint exercises and defence industry cooperation. Turkey has indicated that other countries could join later. Egypt has emerged publicly as one possible future member.
