U.S. President Donald Trump told Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, that he would consider his advice to ease or lift the U.S. naval siege on the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as an obstacle to progress in negotiations with Iran.
According to a Pakistani security source cited in local media reports (and picked up by international outlets), the conversation took place during a phone call while Munir was on an official visit to Tehran. Munir, who has been actively mediating between Washington and Tehran, reportedly conveyed that the ongoing blockade and restrictions on the strategic waterway were hindering efforts to reach a broader agreement with Iran.
Trump responded that he would “consider the advice,” which is being interpreted as a possible opening for de-escalation ahead of the next round of U.S.-Iran talks expected in Pakistan in the coming days.
Context of the Tensions
- The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint. Roughly 20% of global oil trade passes through the narrow chokepoint. Iran has periodically imposed restrictions or threatened closure in response to U.S. actions, while the U.S. has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports.
- Pakistan’s military chief has emerged as a key intermediary in the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire and nuclear-related talks. Munir recently concluded a three-day visit to Tehran, where he met senior Iranian officials and reportedly delivered new U.S. proposals.
- Trump has publicly praised Munir and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their mediation efforts, calling them “two fantastic people” and thanking Pakistan for helping with de-escalation around the strait. However, he has also insisted that the U.S. blockade will remain in force until a “100% complete” deal is reached with Iran.
The latest reported exchange comes as a second round of direct talks, possibly led by Vice President JD Vance, is anticipated in Islamabad. Iran has said it is reviewing new U.S. proposals presented via Munir.
No immediate official comment has been issued by the White House on the specific remarks attributed to Trump in the Pakistani report, though U.S. officials have confirmed the phone conversation with Munir took place as part of ongoing mediation efforts.
This development highlights Pakistan’s growing role as a diplomatic bridge in the U.S.-Iran standoff, even as analysts note concerns over Munir’s ties to Iranian military figures.
