With global attention fixed on Islamabad as the primary hub for US-Iran peace negotiations, a significant power shift within Pakistan has become increasingly visible. While the country acts as a bridge between President Donald Trump and the Iranian leadership, questions regarding who truly holds the reins of Pakistani diplomacy are being answered with growing bluntness.
The “De Facto” Leader: Munir Over Sharif
In a candid interview with media, former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry stated that there is “no two opinions” regarding the hierarchy in Islamabad.
The Military Mandate: Chaudhry identified Field Marshal Asim Munir (Chief of Defence Forces) as the de facto leader of Pakistan, noting that all critical decision-making regarding the US-Iran conflict rests with him.
Trump’s Snub: Highlighting the international perception of this power dynamic, Chaudhry pointed out that President Trump recently referred to General Munir as the “Leader of Pakistan,” notably omitting any mention of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The CDF Role: The elevation of Munir to Field Marshal and CDF (Chief of Defence Forces) appears to have solidified the military’s role as the sole negotiator in high-level geopolitical security matters.
Round Two: De-escalation Efforts in Tehran
Despite the failure of the initial talks in Islamabad last weekend, diplomatic efforts have entered a frantic second phase:
Message to Tehran: A high-level Pakistani delegation is currently en route to Iran to deliver a fresh message from the United States.
The Blockade Factor: These talks occur under extreme pressure, as a US naval blockade has effectively severed Iran’s maritime trade, a move Tehran has described as “unreasonable and unrealistic.”
Imminent Dialogue: President Trump hinted to the New York Post that a fresh round of dialogue in Pakistan could resume within the next 48 hours, seeking a breakthrough before the situation in the Strait of Hormuz escalates further.
Stumbling Blocks in Islamabad
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that several messages have been exchanged via Pakistan since Sunday. However, he cautioned that the “unrealistic demands” from the US side remain a major hurdle.
The primary contention appears to be the US demand for a total cessation of Iranian support for regional proxies in exchange for lifting the blockade—a deal the Iranian delegation has so far refused to sign.
Key Takeaways
| Stakeholder | Current Status |
| Field Marshal Asim Munir | Acting as the primary mediator and “de facto” head of state. |
| Donald Trump | Pushing for a “swift, decisive” deal while maintaining a naval blockade. |
| Iran | Willing to talk via Pakistan but refusing “unrealistic” US terms. |
| Shehbaz Sharif | Increasingly sidelined in the high-stakes diplomatic theater. |