As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir held a rare one-on-one meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict topped the agenda. The high-stakes discussion took place over lunch in the Cabinet Room.
Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir held an extended, over two-hour meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, exceeding the originally scheduled one hour. Talks focused on deepening cooperation in trade, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and…
— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat) June 19, 2025
Speaking to reporters afterward, President Trump expressed his “honour” at hosting Field Marshal Munir and revealed that he had extended the invitation to personally thank the Pakistani military leader for his role in ending the recent conflict with India.
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“Pakistan understands Iran better than most,” Trump remarked, noting that a potential trade agreement with Islamabad was also under discussion.
When asked about the US approach towards Iran, Trump said no final decision had been made yet and that further deliberations would take place in the White House Situation Room later in the day. He added that Iran had shown interest in negotiations and the US might explore that path. Trump also claimed that Israel was successfully targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and reiterated his belief that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon before the strikes began.
He emphasized that diplomatic options with Tehran were still open, stating, “A deal could still happen.”
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It is worth noting that Pakistan is seeking to strengthen ties with the US, grounded in geopolitical pragmatism, mutual trust, and a development-driven partnership.
Commenting on Geo News, former senator and Pakistan-China Institute Chairman Mushahid Hussain Syed said that President Trump appeared intent on preventing renewed hostilities between Pakistan and India. He remarked that the Iran-Israel conflict and the broader regional situation—including South Asia—would have been key points in the meeting between Trump and Field Marshal Munir.
“I believe Trump would have valued the field marshal’s assessment of the Iran-Israel war,” Mushahid noted.
He further suggested that Trump was likely to decide within the next two days whether the US would directly intervene in the conflict.
Mushahid added that Trump’s perception of Pakistan’s leadership had shifted following its decisive military success against India. “Trump has always said he likes winners, not losers,” he remarked, adding that this development would likely unsettle New Delhi.
“Pakistan delivered a military blow to India, and the US dealt a diplomatic setback. Despite Indian resistance, Trump has acknowledged that resolving the Kashmir dispute is crucial,” he said.
Earlier, former foreign minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called the meeting between COAS Munir and President Trump a “positive step” for Pakistan-US relations, particularly in light of Trump’s role in brokering a ceasefire.
“After Pakistan’s decisive victory in the recent five-day war, India has unfortunately rejected all efforts toward a lasting peace, including US-mediated diplomacy,” Bilawal stated.
He stressed that Pakistan does not seek conflict nor is desperate for dialogue, but recognises that peace serves both nations’ interests. “There is no military solution to our disputes,” he asserted.
Bilawal criticised India’s policies, saying its weaponisation of water, repression in Kashmir, and politicisation of terrorism are unsustainable. “The way forward lies in sincere diplomacy—not denial,” he concluded.
During his US visit, COAS Munir also met with members of the Pakistani diaspora in Washington, DC. According to the ISPR, he praised the expatriate community for its vital contributions to Pakistan’s economy, image, and global standing through remittances, investments, and achievements across various sectors.