Pakistan army chief calls Trump to discuss peace efforts

Pakistan is attempting to mediate potential peace talks between the United States and Iran. The country's army chief General Asim Munir discussed the ongoing conflict in a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, March 22, the White House has confirmed, reports The Guardian.

Diplomatic sources indicate that talks between the US and Iran could begin in Islamabad as early as next week. However, no formal agreement has been reached yet, and Islamabad is not finalised as the venue. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to serve as the lead US representative in the talks.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, emphasising the need to de-escalate tensions and pursue a diplomatic solution.

However, Iran continues to deny any direct talks with the United States. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf has described reports of negotiations as "false." Iranian sources say they do not trust Washington and view negotiations as a deceptive tactic based on past experiences.

It is to be noted that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have reached a peak during the nearly month-long conflict, significantly impacting global energy supply. In this context, several countries including Pakistan, Oman, Turkey and Egypt are attempting to mediate.