By The South Asia Times 

ISLAMABAD/ TEHRAN - Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, stepping up Islamabad’s mediation efforts to revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran, as preparations intensify for a second round of high-stakes peace talks expected to be held in Islamabad within days.

The delegation led by Field Marshal Asim Munir also accompanied  by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi  and other senior officials.

According to the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visit is part of Pakistan’s ongoing mediation aimed at sustaining a fragile ceasefire and advancing dialogue between Washington and Tehran.

Diplomatic sources say the latest round of talks in Islamabad lasted over 21 hours, involving senior delegations from both sides. The negotiations, described as “intense but constructive,” focused on key flashpoints including maritime security, sanctions relief, and mechanisms to prevent escalation in the Gulf region.

Pakistan has been facilitating rare direct and indirect contacts between Iranian and US officials, positioning itself as a neutral intermediary amid rising tensions that threatened regional stability.

While full details remain undisclosed, officials familiar with the discussions said both sides explored confidence-building measures, including limits on military activities and guarantees for commercial shipping routes.

In a significant development, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that another round of talks could take place within the next 48 hours, again likely in Islamabad.

“We’re making progress,” Trump told reporters, adding that Washington is open to continuing dialogue if conditions remain favorable. His remarks signal cautious optimism after weeks of escalating tensions, including naval confrontations and threats of blockades in key waterways.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has played a central role in facilitating the talks, is simultaneously engaged in a broader diplomatic campaign. He arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and is expected to visit Qatar and Turkiye in the coming days.

Officials say the visits are aimed at consolidating regional support for de-escalation and ensuring backing from key Middle Eastern stakeholders, many of whom have a direct interest in stability across energy routes and security corridors.

The presence of Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran underscores the security dimension of the mediation effort. Analysts note that Pakistan’s approach combines military-to-military engagement with political diplomacy, reflecting the sensitive nature of the crisis.

The current crisis escalated after a series of confrontations in strategic waterways, including the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of disruption to global oil supplies. Iran has warned against foreign military presence and blockades, while the United States has pushed for tighter enforcement measures.

Pakistan stepped in as a mediator amid fears of a wider conflict, leveraging its relations with both Tehran and Washington. The Islamabad talks marked the first sustained engagement between the two sides in recent weeks, helping secure a tentative ceasefire and opening channels for dialogue.

Diplomatic observers say Pakistan’s role has gained international recognition, with several global powers quietly supporting its efforts to prevent a broader regional war.