Pakistan & the Iran–US War

Israel strikes Iranian nuclear sites, military leadership and scientists, beginning the 12-Day War. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry condemns the strikes within hours and reaffirms non-alignment. FM Ishaq Dar states Pakistan's policy is "guided by national interests, not alignment with any country."

Field Marshal Asim Munir visits Washington for five days and is hosted by US President Trump for a 1 pm lunch in the Cabinet Room — a first for a US president to host Pakistan's army chief without senior civilian officials present. Trump praises Munir for helping prevent escalation between Pakistan and India after Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Munir also meets Secretary of State Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth. Discussions remain a matter of speculation — analysts point to possible coverage of ISKP, India, cryptocurrency, critical minerals, or Iran. Notably, Munir publicly declares Pakistan's "clear and strong" support for Iran, while simultaneously voicing support for US de-escalation efforts.

US bombs Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites. Pakistan issues a firm condemnation — a rare public rebuke of Washington — while keeping diplomatic channels open with both sides simultaneously.

Islamabad and Riyadh sign a pact declaring that aggression against one party is aggression against both, though without automatic military intervention. Munir is seen as its driving force. The agreement embeds Pakistan within Gulf security architecture and adds a visible Sunni-aligned dimension to its balancing act with Tehran.

PM Sharif and Field Marshal Munir meet Trump at the White House. Pakistan endorses Trump's 20-point Gaza proposal. Trump calls them "incredible" and "two fantastic people" who backed the plan "100%." A US-Pakistan trade deal is on the agenda. Pakistan formally nominates Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for the India–Pakistan ceasefire.

Munir meets Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh. On King Salman's directive, he is awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class — Saudi Arabia's highest honour — for strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and counterterrorism collaboration.

Joint US-Israeli strikes kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pakistan's MFA issues a condemnation within hours. FM Dar calls FM Araghchi to convey solidarity. Iran retaliates — partially closing the Strait of Hormuz and striking Gulf states. By 3 March, Dar addresses the Senate: "Pakistan is ready to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad."

Protests erupt across Pakistan in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and the contested territory of Gilgit-Baltistan as Shia communities (15–20% of Pakistan's ~250m people) react to Ali Khamenei's killing. Demonstrators burn portraits of Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Field Marshal Munir summons Shia clerics to Rawalpindi and warns that violence inside Pakistan will not be tolerated. Munir reportedly tells the audience "if you love Iran so much, then go to Iran." The remark stokes sectarian sensitivities rather than calming them. Analysts warn of potential Zainabiyoun Brigade recruitment revival and instability along the 900km Iran-Pakistan border in Balochistan.

As Iran partially closes the Strait of Hormuz — through which Pakistan sources roughly 90% of its oil imports — the navy deploys assets to protect Pakistani merchant vessels and maintain communication systems. Oil prices spike above $150/barrel globally, triggering fuel shortages in Karachi and Lahore.

Hormuz closure disrupts oil imports. Rolling power blackouts affect Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. The government restricts business opening hours and non-essential travel to conserve electricity.

Pakistan's economy, already under a $7 billion IMF programme with inflation at 7.3% in March, faces pressure from multiple directions simultaneously.

Government announces record price hikes: petrol rises to PKR 458.40/litre, diesel to PKR 520.35. Street protests erupt in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. IMF lowers Pakistan's 2026 growth forecast to 3.6%, down 0.8 percentage points, directly attributing the revision to the West Asia war. Consumer inflation had hit 7.3% in March.

Both countries jointly deliver a five-point initiative calling for an immediate end to all hostilities. Shuttle diplomacy intensifies — FM Dar coordinates with counterparts in Turkey and Egypt. Islamabad's mediation is driven by both diplomatic positioning and economic necessity: the Hormuz closure is directly constricting Pakistan's import-dependent economy.

JD Vance arrives in Islamabad and meets PM Shehbaz Sharif. Trump says Iran has asked for a ceasefire; Iran publicly denies it. The personal rapport between Trump and Field Marshal Munir — built at the June 2025 White House lunch — is widely cited as the foundation of Islamabad's mediator role.

Trump announces on Truth Social that Iran has sent a 10-point proposal "mediated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir" which the US considers a "workable basis to negotiate." A two-week ceasefire takes effect. Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping for the duration of the truce. Islamabad declares public holidays for 9–10 April. Over 10,000 security personnel deployed across the capital.

A 300-member US team (Vance, Witkoff, Kushner) meets a 70-member Iranian delegation (FM Araghchi, Speaker Ghalibaf) in Islamabad, moderated by Sharif, Munir and Dar. The US proposes an end to Iran's nuclear program, missile limits, Hormuz reopening, and restrictions on armed group support in exchange for sanctions relief. On 12 April Vance leaves without agreement. Trump subsequently announces a full naval blockade on Iran.

Munir arrives in Tehran carrying what Pakistan's military describes as a new message from Washington. He meets FM Araghchi on Wednesday — Araghchi says he is "very pleased" to welcome Munir and affirms Iran's commitment to "promoting peace and stability." On Thursday, Munir meets Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accompanies the delegation. Iran's IRNA says the naval blockade "violated the ceasefire understanding."

Iran announces the Strait of Hormuz will reopen to commercial shipping for the remainder of the truce. Trump posts on Truth Social: "Thank you to Pakistan and its great prime minister and field marshal, two fantastic people!" SBP Governor tells parliament reserves are expected to reach ~$18bn by June 2026. Real GDP grew 3.8% in H1 FY26, up from 1.8% the year prior.

As the ceasefire nears expiry, Iran publicly states it has no plans to return to talks while privately signalling a possible delegation. Trump posts on Truth Social: "Upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal." The ceasefire is extended indefinitely. The naval blockade continues. German FM arrives in Islamabad as international pressure builds.