Pakistan officials conclude Iran visit to push for end to U.S.-Iran war

Pakistan's army chief and interior minister concluded a day-long visit to Iran on Monday, as part of Islamabad's push to end the stalemate in the U.S.-Iran conflict, the military's media wing said Tuesday.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met senior Iranian officials in Tehran, the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani military, said.

Talks focused on preventing further escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reaching a swift end to the conflict, as well as regional peace and a negotiated settlement to disputes.

Iranian leaders praised Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue and de-escalation, it added.

According to Pakistani sources, Munir's arrival came after he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump who expressed hope that Pakistan would use its influence with Iran to help bring Tehran back to negotiations.

During the meeting, Naqvi said that significant progress was made in talks between the Pakistani and Iranian leaderships toward restoring the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expressing hope that the momentum would help pave the way for lasting peace in the region.

He said the two sides discussed the steps needed by both sides for restoration of the Islamabad MoU, thereby leading to a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian shared the Iranian government's perspectives and concerns during talks that made significant progress and concluded in a positive atmosphere, Naqvi said, adding that he hopes the momentum will help pave the way for further regional development and lasting peace.

Pakistan officials conclude Iran visit to push for end to U.S.-Iran war

Iran's currency plunged to a record low on the open market Monday, hours before the U.S. announcement of a new wave of sanctions aimed at further isolating Tehran.

The rial fell to 2.02 million against the U.S. dollar as trading opened on currency markets, while the official exchange rate set by Iran's Central Bank stood at around 1.5 million rials per dollar.

The currency, which was already under pressure before the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Feb. 28, has continued to hit new lows as nearly six months of conflict have placed further strain on Iran's economy.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday warned of an "economic D-Day" for Iran, announcing what he described as "an economic onslaught against Iran's financial connections around the globe."

The new sanctions target five key sectors -- digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, according to the Treasury Department.

Iran's currency hits record low