Field Marshal Asim Munir, Iranian FM Araghchi discuss regional situation

Field Marshal Asim Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed regional developments. File photo
Field Marshal Asim Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed regional developments. File photo
Published September 17, 2026 01:48 PM
Islamabad (Web Desk): Field Marshal Asim Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed regional developments and matters of mutual interest as China urged Iran and the US to avoid escalation and revive diplomatic talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his visit to Beijing. According to Iranian government reports, the two officials discussed the latest regional developments and matters of mutual interest between Iran and Pakistan.

The conversation came as diplomatic efforts continued to address tensions in the region and encourage dialogue among countries affected by the crisis. The call took place while Araghchi was in China for talks with senior Chinese officials on regional and international developments.

Araghchi holds talks with Chinese foreign minister

During his visit to Beijing, Araghchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the regional situation and ways to reduce tensions.

The meeting focused on the continuing crisis in the region and diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability. Araghchi told Wang that Iran was engaging with neighbouring countries as part of its efforts to promote peace and stability.

He said Tehran wanted to protect what it described as the legitimate rights of the Iranian people while also developing peaceful relations and stronger ties with neighbouring states. The Iranian foreign minister also stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement in dealing with the ongoing regional crisis.

China urges Iran and US to avoid escalation

China has called on Iran and the United States to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further increase tensions.

Wang Yi said the continued confrontation between Washington and Tehran was not in the interests of either side or the wider international community. He urged both countries to return to negotiations and rebuild a framework for dialogue based on understandings reached earlier.

China also called for meaningful consultations on outstanding issues between Iran and the United States. Beijing has repeatedly supported diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and find a negotiated solution to disputes in the region.

Islamabad MoU remains part of diplomatic efforts

Wang also called on Iran and the United States to return to the framework established through the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The memorandum has been part of diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and other regional countries to encourage dialogue between Tehran and Washington. China has previously welcomed Pakistan’s role in facilitating discussions between Iran and the United States.

Wang said existing areas of understanding should be used to rebuild a negotiation mechanism and allow both sides to address their concerns through dialogue. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing was prepared to play a constructive role in efforts to resolve international disputes.

Concerns over Yemen and Red Sea

China also warned that the current tensions should not spread to other parts of the region.

Wang specifically expressed concern about possible escalation involving Yemen and the Red Sea. The Red Sea remains an important international shipping route, and wider regional instability could affect maritime movement and energy supplies.

Also Read: PIMS fire death toll reaches 15 after infant dies during treatment

China has therefore urged the parties involved to avoid steps that could further complicate the situation. Wang also called for efforts to ensure the safe movement of ships and maintain the stability of international energy transportation.

Iran signals interest in regional dialogue

During his meeting with Wang, Araghchi said Iran was ready to engage in dialogue and consultations with regional countries.

He said Tehran wanted to develop good-neighbourly and friendly relations with surrounding states. The Iranian position reflects its stated interest in using diplomatic channels while continuing to protect what it considers its national rights and interests.

Araghchi also welcomed China’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. Iran and China maintain close political and economic relations, and Beijing has continued to engage with Tehran during the latest regional tensions.

Pakistan remains engaged in diplomatic efforts

The conversation between Asim Munir and Araghchi comes amid Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement with countries involved in the regional crisis.

Pakistan has repeatedly called for restraint, dialogue and diplomacy as ways to reduce tensions. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has said Islamabad remains involved in efforts to help resolve the confrontation between Iran and the United States.

The ministry has also highlighted the importance of the Islamabad understanding and renewed negotiations as a path towards regional stability. Field Marshal Asim Munir previously visited Tehran as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts linked to the regional crisis.

Regional situation remains closely watched

The latest contacts involving Pakistan, Iran and China show continued diplomatic activity as regional tensions remain a major concern. The conversation between Asim Munir and Araghchi focused on bilateral and regional matters, while Araghchi’s talks in Beijing centred on wider diplomatic efforts.

China’s call for Iran and the US to return to negotiations adds another push for dialogue at a time when several countries are seeking to prevent further escalation. The situation remains fluid, with regional governments continuing to hold talks and assess possible diplomatic options.

Currency / Metal / Petrol Rates
Currency → PKR
Currency Pair Rate (PKR) Change
🇺🇸 US Dollar USD → PKR 277.32 ▲ 0.04
🇪🇺 Euro EUR → PKR 317.85 ▼ 2.15
🇬🇧 British Pound GBP → PKR 371.27 ▼ 2.34
🇸🇦 Saudi Riyal SAR → PKR 73.89 ▲ 0.01
🇦🇪 UAE Dirham AED → PKR 75.50 ▲ 0.01
🇨🇳 Chinese Yuan CNY → PKR 41.35 ▲ 0.04
Current Metals
Metal Unit Price (PKR) Change
Gold 24K Per Tola 445,541 ▼ 5,828
Gold 22K Per Tola 408,413 ▼ 5,342
Gold 21K Per Tola 389,848 ▼ 5,099
Gold 18K Per Tola 334,156 ▼ 4,371
Silver Per Tola 6,549 ▼ 116
Platinum Per oz (USD) 1,754 ▼ 38.6%
Current Petrol
Fuel Type Unit Price (PKR) Change
Petrol Super Per Litre 391.22 ▲ 10.98
Diesel HSD Per Litre 279.55
High Octane Per Litre 445.00
Kerosene Per Litre 324.35
LPG Per Kg 258.65
Must Read