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Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, landed in Tehran on Tuesday as part of a delegation seeking to facilitate a resumption of diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States.
The visit comes amid an escalating standoff. The US has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports, prompting Iran's army to warn it will block trade through the Red Sea, the Gulf, and the Sea of Oman if the pressure continues. President Trump said the conflict is "close to over" and suggested a second round of negotiations could take place in Pakistan, according to Al Jazeera's live reporting.
The potential for Pakistan to serve as a mediating venue marks a notable diplomatic role for Islamabad. Details of the high-level meetings in Tehran remained limited as the delegation's talks got underway.
Iran's threat to disrupt major global shipping lanes has added urgency to the diplomatic efforts. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman are critical arteries for international oil and goods transit, and any disruption could send shockwaves through the global economy. Whether Pakistan's intervention can help bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran remains to be seen.
