Pakistani, Iranian top military commanders hold talks on regional security, defence co-op

Chief of Pakistan Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir met Iranian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri at the General Staff Headquarters in Tehran, the military’s media wing said in a statement on May 27.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two military leaders engaged in discussions on the evolving regional security landscape, with particular focus on strengthening bilateral defence ties, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

“Key areas of mutual interest included enhancing military-to-military cooperation, improving security mechanisms along the shared border, and exploring avenues for transforming the border regions into zones of trade and economic connectivity, thereby contributing to regional stability and prosperity,” read the statement.

For the record, Pakistan and Iran share a 900-kilometre-long border, which has historically faced security challenges, including cross-border militancy, smuggling, and separatist activity. Both countries have taken steps in recent years to enhance border security, including the construction of a border fence by Pakistan and the establishment of joint border markets aimed at fostering economic ties.

Military and diplomatic engagements between Islamabad and Tehran have gained momentum amid evolving regional dynamics, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the reconfiguration of alliances in the Middle East. These changes have prompted both countries to reassess their strategic priorities and enhance bilateral cooperation.

By Khagan Isayev