Remarks by Muhammad Hussain Baqeri, Head of the Iqbal Forum , on the Latest Regional Developments

The security and diplomatic activities currently taking place simultaneously among Tehran, Islamabad, and Beirut should not be viewed as routine or ordinary visits. In my view, these movements are part of a broader regional strategy aimed at preventing the expansion of conflict in the Middle East.

In this context, the special message reportedly sent by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, to Iran through Mohsin Naqvi, along with the almost simultaneous urgent invitation extended to General Rodolphe Haykal, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, to visit Islamabad, carries significant meaning and importance.

A particularly notable point is that the Lebanese Army chief departed for Pakistan immediately after attending the funeral ceremony of soldiers who lost their lives in Israeli attacks. This suggests that high-level coordination and consultations may be taking place behind the scenes.

Pakistan is currently playing a role that goes beyond that of a traditional ally. It is presenting itself as a “manager of crises and tensions,” capable of maintaining communication channels among various regional and international powers.

The United States is also well aware that a large-scale war between Hezbollah and Israel would destabilize the entire region and negatively affect ongoing Iran–U.S. negotiations.

For this reason, current efforts appear to be focused on preventing the Lebanese Army from becoming involved in a major conflict and enabling it, together with the Lebanese government, to maintain stability.

Pakistan, meanwhile, is seeking a new geopolitical role for itself. Islamabad aims to position itself as a reliable intermediary between Tehran, Washington, Riyadh, Beijing, and other regional powers.

Within this framework, the role of General Asim Munir appears particularly important. It seems that he seeks to ensure that Islamabad plays a central role in any future breakthrough or major agreement between Iran and the United States.

If such a development occurs, it would represent a major diplomatic success for Pakistan and further enhance the country’s global significance—a process that, to some extent, may already be underway.

Therefore, it would not be surprising if Pakistan is using various diplomatic and security channels to help calm tensions on the Lebanese front and preserve the Iran–U.S. negotiation process.

However, realities on the ground may differ somewhat from these ambitious political visions and diplomatic plans. Over recent days, various positions and vessels along Iran’s southern coastline have reportedly been targeted by U.S. strikes, while intensive Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Palestine have continued unabated.

Iran has clearly conveyed the message that if a ceasefire is not achieved in Lebanon, no ceasefire or understanding between Iran and the United States will remain sustainable in the long term.

Furthermore, Iran has stated that it will not sign any final agreement until part of its frozen financial assets is released. At the same time, the 60-day deadline set by Donald Trump is reportedly approaching its expiration.

The key question now is whether the region is moving toward a new war, or whether the behind-the-scenes diplomacy of Field Marshal Asim Munir will once again succeed in extending and strengthening the ceasefire.

In the coming days, only developments on the political and military fronts will provide the answer to this question.