The Pakistani General Running Washington's Backchannel to Tehran

"While others issued statements, Munir broker and later a temporary ceasefire, facilitated day-long direct talks between American and Iranian officials, and, most importantly, kept communication when both sides were pulling back. For those watching closely, his central role is hardly surprising, but it should give others pause. Under his watch, Pakistan has moved aggressively to court the Trump administration, from nominating President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize to pursuing ambitious in critical minerals and cryptocurrency, even as the substance and viability of those efforts remains questionable."

"The mediation has thrust Pakistan to the center of the crisis while exposing it to enormous risk. That position is no accident. While others issued statements, Munir broker and later a temporary ceasefire, facilitated day-long direct talks between American and Iranian officials, and, most importantly, kept communication when both sides were pulling back."

"Still, Pakistan is not the only channel that matters. appears to be playing a growing role, with recent reporting suggesting Doha has become an increasingly active backchannel between Washington and Tehran. For now, the Qatari and Pakistani tracks appear more complementary than competing. But Doha's role also suggests Washington"

"He avoids the spotlight, rarely gives interviews, and conducts much of his mediation and out of sight, often through trusted liaisons. Yet behind the scenes, much of the work preventing escalation falls to Munir, a man President Trump has called his "favorite field marshal.""

Washington and Tehran are moving closer to escalation, and the most critical communication line is being handled by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. He has brokered a temporary ceasefire, facilitated day-long direct talks between American and Iranian officials, and maintained communication when both sides were pulling back. His role places Pakistan at the center of the crisis and exposes it to enormous risk. Munir has also moved aggressively to court the Trump administration through initiatives such as nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and pursuing critical minerals and cryptocurrency. Other actors have offered help, but much of the escalation-prevention work is carried out through Munir’s discreet mediation and trusted liaisons. Qatar is also emerging as an additional backchannel, potentially complementing Pakistan’s track.

Read at The Cipher Brief