US President Donald Trump has lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking during a phone interview, Trump described both leaders as “great people” and said he had “great respect” for Pakistan’s top leadership.
He noted that while a planned visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad had been called off due to travel and cost concerns, Pakistan’s mediation efforts remained valuable.
“If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. There is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines,” Trump said, referring to Iran.
Despite cancelling the trip, Trump emphasised that Pakistani mediators would continue to play a role in ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran.
The US president has repeatedly acknowledged Pakistan’s role in bringing both sides to the negotiating table, including hosting the first round of talks in Islamabad on April 11.
He previously described the prime minister and the army chief as “kind and very competent leadership,” crediting them for their efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
Pakistan’s diplomatic push to facilitate high-level engagement between the US and Iran has drawn international attention, with Field Marshal Munir playing a central role in welcoming delegations and engaging with US officials.
Trump has also referred to Munir as his “favourite field marshal,” reflecting a rapport developed during earlier regional de-escalation efforts.