In a meeting with Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir, held in Tehran on Thursday, President Pezeshkian praised the commander’s effective role as well as that of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the mediation process and facilitating the establishment of a ceasefire and also appreciated the proper hosting of the Iranian delegation during the Islamabad negotiations with the US.
Emphasizing the principled approach of Iran toward the Muslim world, the president said that Iran considers all Islamic countries as its brothers, noting that this perspective is rooted in the tradition of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH).
He further noted that Iran’s recent actions targeting US military bases in the region were undertaken as a defensive necessity in response to imposed conditions.
Pezeshkian highlighted that many wars and instabilities in the region are rooted in conspiracies by the Israeli regime, which aims to create divisions among Islamic countries, stressing that the Islamic Ummah must, through convergence and cooperation, prevent the Israeli regime from exploiting Islamic lands against Muslims themselves. He added that unity among Islamic countries would undoubtedly eliminate the risk of the region being pushed toward war by this regime.
Referring to the criminal and illegal aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, the president asked under what authorization and for what reason such actions—resulting in the martyrdom of Iran’s Leader, the destruction of schools and hospitals, and the killing of innocent children and civilians—had been carried out.
Pezeshkian emphasized that since taking office, all efforts have been aimed at strengthening friendship and brotherhood both domestically and regionally, but hostile and provocative actions by the US and the Israeli regime have been evident from the beginning.
He added that Iran is not seeking instability in the region; rather, it is focused on expanding friendly relations with neighboring and regional countries.
The president expressed special appreciation for Pakistan’s role as an Islamic country in pursuing the cessation of the war, describing Islamabad’s responsible and persistent efforts as a source of satisfaction and urging other Islamic countries to adopt a similar approach, noting that such unity would prevent enemies of the Islamic Ummah from advancing their objectives.
He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to international legal frameworks, emphasizing that the country aims to secure the rights of its people within international law.
The president said that, following the end of the war, regional countries should enhance mutual cooperation to lay the groundwork for lasting peace and security.
Pezeshkian also raised the question of why regional countries should not be able to independently ensure their own security, noting that just as Europe manages its security through mechanisms such as NATO, Islamic countries could similarly resolve their issues through collective cooperation based on shared religious and cultural ties.
He added that war benefits no one, stating that the United States would not emerge victorious from the conflict, while regional and global nations would incur serious losses. He pointed out that only the Israeli regime seeks to fulfill its ambitions through ongoing conflict.
The president also referred to the Iranian people’s distrust toward the US due to repeated violations of commitments, attacks during negotiations, and the assassination of officials, stressing that despite such conditions, Iran has proceeded based on brotherly relations with friendly countries, including Pakistan, while firmly pursuing its national interests.
Pezeshkian asked the Pakistani army chief to convey the warm greetings of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the prime minister and the noble people of Pakistan.
For his part, Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed satisfaction with the meeting and appreciated the hospitality of Iran, its leadership, and people, conveying the deep condolences of Pakistan’s prime minister and people over the martyrdom of the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iranian commanders, and citizens.
Referring to ongoing regional developments, Munir said that although the war would end, the region would not return to its previous conditions, emphasizing the need for all countries to cooperate in reconstruction, stability, and peace in the region.
He also highlighted the support of countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye for diplomatic processes during the crisis, stressing the importance of continuing such cooperation.
The Pakistani army chief added that the significance of relations between countries becomes more apparent during crises and wars than in times of peace, noting that such exchanges demonstrate sincerity in friendship. He pointed out that Iran and Pakistan share deep religious, historical, and cultural ties, which lay the foundation for broader cooperation.
Munir emphasized ongoing efforts to end the war, saying that while there is a belief that an agreement can be reached soon, the war will bring nothing but destruction and losses. Additionally, he provided a report on the negotiation process and expressed hope that an agreement would be achieved and the war would end in the near future.
IRNA