Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf held high-level talks with Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran on Saturday, as regional diplomatic efforts intensify to contain tensions sparked by the ongoing US-Israeli confrontation with Iran and to prevent a wider war across West Asia.

The meeting came amid continued mediation initiatives led by Pakistan aimed at reviving negotiations between Tehran and Washington and preventing further military escalation in the region.

During the talks, Ghalibaf reaffirmed Iran’s determination to defend its sovereignty and national rights, stressing that the Islamic Republic would not surrender under pressure or threats.

“Iran will not compromise on its rights and the rights of its people, especially with a party that has no credibility whatsoever and is not trustworthy,” Ghalibaf said, referring to Washington’s actions during recent negotiations.

The Iranian parliament speaker stated that Tehran had been engaged in diplomatic talks when the United States launched aggression against Iran, adding that the current negotiations are focused on ending the conflict and securing Iran’s legitimate rights.

Ghalibaf also accused Washington of violating a truce arrangement that had been facilitated through Pakistani mediation efforts, saying the US later imposed a naval blockade instead of honoring the agreement.

He emphasized that Iran remains fully prepared to defend its interests through both military strength and diplomatic engagement.

“Iran, just as it bravely and powerfully defended the Iranian entity on the battlefield, will also strive intelligently and forcefully in the diplomatic arena to secure the legitimate rights of the country and safeguard its national interests,” he said.

The senior Iranian official further warned that Tehran’s armed forces had used the truce period to reorganize and strengthen their defensive capabilities, cautioning Washington against any renewed aggression.

“The Iranian response to Washington will be more severe and more bitter than the first day of the war should US President Donald Trump make another mistake against Iran,” Ghalibaf declared.

For his part, Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir praised Iran’s leadership and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people during the tense regional situation.

“You and I are both soldiers of our people, and soldiers speak candidly and without hesitation,” Munir told Ghalibaf, adding that he was pleased “Iran is led by intelligent people with deep insight.”

Munir also conveyed what he described as the “best wishes and prayers” of the Pakistani government and people for Iran’s future.

The Pakistani military chief’s visit to Tehran is widely viewed as part of broader diplomatic efforts by Islamabad to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States and prevent the conflict from spiraling into a regional war.

During his stay in Tehran, Munir also met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Discussions reportedly focused on diplomatic pathways to halt the US-Israeli war against Iran and strengthen regional peace and security.

Iranian officials said mediation efforts remain ongoing despite continued military and political tensions.

According to Iranian media reports, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described the current contacts as “a continuation of the same diplomatic path,” while confirming that a Qatari delegation was also holding consultations in Tehran.

Baghaei stated that while no final agreement has yet been reached, diplomatic engagement continues through regional mediators, with Pakistan playing a leading role in the process.

The diplomatic activity comes as Washington reportedly continues examining military options should negotiations fail, while Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that any renewed aggression against the Islamic Republic would be met with a much stronger response.

Tehran has insisted that while it remains open to diplomacy, it will continue defending its sovereignty, regional position, and national interests against any external threats. (ILKHA)