Major General (rtd) Zahid Mehmood has claimed that US President Donald Trump postponed a decision to directly join the Iran-Israel conflict after his recent meeting with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in Washington.
Speaking on the Azaad Digital podcast, Mehmood referred to a fresh statement by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, quoting President Trump as saying he would wait two more weeks before deciding whether the US would become directly involved in the Iran conflict.
“This is diplomacy in action,” Mehmood said. “Pakistan’s top military commander gave peace another chance through his efforts. Field Marshal Munir’s meeting with Trump made a difference.”
The retired general recalled how President Trump, just before returning from the recent G7 summit, had told reporters that he would soon decide whether the US should attack Iran or not. According to Mehmood, Trump appeared ready for direct involvement until the meeting with Field Marshal Munir took place.
“After that engagement, the US president’s tone visibly changed,” Mehmood noted. “It seems whatever message Field Marshal Munir delivered gave Trump confidence to pause and rethink. He realised he might have been rushing into a major decision.”
Mehmood added that Pakistan continues to play a stabilising role in the region, given its strong ties with both Iran and the United States. He pointed out that Iranian lawmakers have publicly thanked Pakistan, chanting slogans of appreciation in parliament. Similarly, US officials, he said, have acknowledged Pakistan’s understanding of regional dynamics.
“The president of the United States himself said it was an honour to meet the military commander of the Pakistan Army. He said, ‘I love Pakistan, I love Pakistanis’,” Mehmood added, quoting Trump’s remarks.
He also mentioned Pakistan’s close relations with China, highlighting Islamabad’s broad diplomatic leverage across multiple power centres. “This is why Pakistan is playing such an important role in calming this conflict,” he said.
The retired general credited Field Marshal Munir’s leadership, military diplomacy, and Pakistan’s wider strategic position for creating space for de-escalation. He said this success reflects not only the strength of Pakistan’s military diplomacy but also the resilience of its people.
“This is a victory for the people of Pakistan, for our diplomacy, and for our national interest. Field Marshal Munir, as the military leader, is representing that strength on the global stage,” he concluded.
