Pakistan Played Key Role in Ceasefire Extension, Trump Found It Hard to Refuse General Asim Munir: Former US General

Washington: Retired US Army General and former Assistant Secretary of State Mark Kimmit has said that Pakistan played a significant diplomatic role in facilitating possible negotiations and the extension of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while former US President Donald Trump also gave importance to Pakistan’s request.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, General Kimmit stated that both sides want negotiations and need them, adding that Pakistan’s leadership made strong efforts to extend the ceasefire.
He further said that the relationship between President Trump and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was such that it was not easy for Trump to refuse his “friend” when Pakistan strongly pushed for the ceasefire extension.
According to the former US general, Trump is seeking a unified and clear proposal from Iran to restart negotiations. He also suggested that a second round of talks between the two sides could take place in the coming days, as neither party wants a renewed conflict.
General Kimmit noted that Iran’s internal leadership structure is complex, with multiple centers of decision-making, making it unclear at times where the final authority lies. However, he expressed optimism that diplomatic efforts would continue.
He added that while the ceasefire may hold temporarily, serious negotiations are essential to resolve the core issues between the two countries.