Tehran Clarifies: Pakistani Army Chief's Visit Carried No Specific Messages, Part of De-escalation Efforts

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated Tuesday that Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir's visit to Tehran conveyed "no positive or negative message." At a press conference, Baghaei clarified the visit aimed to foster friendly bilateral ties and facilitate de-escalation, noting Munir presented his views. He added Iran's Foreign Ministry assesses developments and positions based on "national benefits and interests," adhering to competent authorities' decisions. Baghaei criticized the American approach, asserting "Americans confused negotiation with dictation." He emphasized "utmost vigilance in monitoring enemy movements," affirming Iranian armed forces "will not leave any aggression unanswered." He further held Washington responsible for the "widespread violation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding." General Munir, accompanied by Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, visited Tehran last week, meeting senior Iranian officials. The Pakistani Army had earlier confirmed Munir "held comprehensive discussions with the Iranian side, focused on preventing further escalation."