Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir holds key security talks in Tehran

The Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met senior Iranian military officials in Tehran on Tuesday to discuss deepening defence cooperation and improving border security mechanisms.

During his visit to the General Staff Headquarters, the army chief held talks with Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.

Both officials exchanged views on the evolving regional security environment and agreed to boost military-to-military coordination.

Discussions also covered joint efforts to transform the shared border into a hub for trade and economic activity, with both nations underscoring the need to promote regional peace and prosperity.

The army chief was received with full military honours, including a ceremonial guard of honour by a contingent of the Iranian Armed Forces.

The Field Marshal also accompanied the Prime Minister of Pakistan during meetings with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The visit is part of an ongoing official tour to Türkiye, Iran and Azerbaijan by Pakistan’s high-level delegation.

Previously, Pakistan’s First Lady, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, met a senior Iranian delegation at Bilawal House on Monday, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional cooperation with Tehran.

The visiting delegation was led by Dr Reyhaneh Sadat Raeisi, daughter of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. She was accompanied by senior Iranian officials, including Dr Vahed Asghari, chargé d’affaires at the Iranian Consulate General; Dr Saeid Talebi Nia, director general and cultural attaché at Khana-e-Farhang Iran; and others.

Pakistani dignitaries including Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho also attended the meeting.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in healthcare, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement. The First Lady emphasised the historic and cultural bonds shared by the two nations and appreciated Iran’s longstanding support for Pakistan.

“We have always valued Iran’s unwavering support,” Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said. “Our countries share a deep-rooted relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations.” She also lauded Iran’s achievements in healthcare, noting consistent praise from Minister Pechuho after visits to Iranian institutions.

Dr Raeisi expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s solidarity after the passing of her father and conveyed a message of thanks to President Asif Ali Zardari.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Azerbaijan as part of a four-nation regional tour aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. The visit follows earlier stops in Turkiye and Iran, where the prime minister held high-level discussions on bilateral cooperation, regional connectivity, and mutual development goals.

The tour will conclude in Tajikistan, where the prime minister is slated to attend the International Conference on Glaciers on May 29–30.