US President Donald Trump on Sunday praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their continuous efforts to help mediate talks between the United States and Iran.
During a phone interview with Fox News, Trump said both leaders were “great people” and expressed strong respect for Pakistan’s top leadership.
He explained that the planned visit of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad was cancelled because it involved too much travel time and cost. He added that if Iran wanted to talk, it could contact the United States directly.
Despite cancelling the visit, Trump appreciated the efforts of Pakistan’s leadership in bringing both sides closer for negotiations and said Pakistani mediators would continue to play a role in the process between Washington and Tehran.
He has repeatedly praised Pakistan’s civil and military leadership for helping facilitate talks, including the first round held in Islamabad on April 11. Trump described the prime minister and the army chief as “extraordinary men” and acknowledged their efforts in supporting dialogue during a tense period.
Pakistan’s role in bringing the United States and Iran together for high-level talks after weeks of conflict has received global recognition. During the meetings in Islamabad, Field Marshal Asim Munir played a key role in welcoming both delegations and maintaining a positive environment, including interactions with US Vice President JD Vance.
Trump has often referred to Asim Munir as his “favourite field marshal,” highlighting the rapport built during previous efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and India.
