Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir heads to Tehran as US plans ‘toughest’ Iran sanctions

Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran on Monday as Islamabad continues its efforts to promote peace and security in the region, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Sunday, according to a ministry statement. It will coincide with a Monday announcement on details related to the ‌planned sanctions which US officials have said would be "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran.

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Pakistan has been playing a mediating role in talks between Iran and the US aimed at ending the conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February.


Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement that Munir would lead a delegation to the Iranian capital "as part of efforts to strengthen Iran-Pakistan bilateral cooperation".

The visit was also part of "Pakistan's ongoing efforts to help consolidate peace and security in the region", the statement said.

Pakistan has played a key role in efforts to halt war between Iran and the United States, brokering a memorandum of understanding in June, but peace negotiations currently appear stalled.

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Earlier this month Pakistan signed a joint defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, a move some analysts said was aimed at countering Iranian influence.'

The ​visit comes amid heightened tensions as Iran threatens a military response to U.S. plans for sanctions that could further put a strain on the Islamic Republic's ailing economy.

Trump had warned ​of economic ​consequences against any country ⁠that provided "any type of lifeline to Iran" as he seeks to isolate the Islamic Republic.

Oil shipments are at a virtual standstill ​in the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran threatening to strike any unauthorized oil tankers that try to transit the vital waterway, and Iran's economy is already under immense pressure from sanctions.