Asim Munir Tehran visit comes as Iran threatens Gulf oil trade over US sanctions

Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Tehran visit is set for today, arriving at a moment of serious strain between Washington and Iran. The trip comes just hours before the United States is expected to announce tough new sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Iranian officials say the visit is part of ongoing efforts to keep peace talks alive in the region. A Pakistani government source confirmed that Munir will speak with Iranian leaders about recent developments, including fresh US warnings.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to hold a press briefing later today. He has already described the coming sanctions as one of the toughest financial moves ever taken against a single nation.

Pakistan has played a quiet but steady role in easing tensions between the US and Iran. Islamabad helped broker a short ceasefire earlier this year and has continued passing messages between both sides.

During his visit, Munir is expected to raise several issues. These include a recent security understanding involving Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, along with ongoing concerns tied to Houthi activity in the region.

Iran, meanwhile, has issued a strong warning of its own. A senior security official said that if economic pressure continues, Tehran could halt all oil exports through the Persian Gulf, including the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Such a move could shake global oil markets, since a large share of the world’s oil supply passes through that narrow waterway daily.

China has also weighed in, urging dialogue instead of further sanctions, noting its own heavy reliance on Gulf oil imports.

As tensions rise on multiple fronts, Munir’s Tehran visit is being seen as an attempt to keep diplomatic channels open before the situation escalates further.