US President Donald Trump on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir for their efforts in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. In a telephonic interview with Fox News, the US president described both leaders as "great people" and said he had "great respect" for Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership.
Trump said a planned visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner was cancelled due to logistical challenges, including travel and expenses associated with talks in Islamabad. He noted that Iran could approach the US directly, stating, "If they [Iranians] want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines."
Despite the cancellation, Trump reiterated his appreciation for the Pakistani leadership's role in bringing both sides to the negotiating table, emphasizing that Islamabad would continue to remain involved in the process. The US president has repeatedly acknowledged Pakistan's role in facilitating high-level engagement between Washington and Tehran.
Earlier, Trump had commended the "kind and very competent leadership" of the prime minister and the army chief for hosting the first round of talks in Islamabad on April 11. He called them "very extraordinary men" and noted that both leaders had expressed gratitude for US efforts in preventing a wider conflict in South Asia.
Pakistan's initiative to bring Iran and the United States to direct negotiations — their highest-level engagement in decades — has drawn international attention and praise. During the initial round of talks in Islamabad, Field Marshal Munir played a central role, receiving delegations and engaging with senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance.
Trump has also developed a rapport with the Pakistani military leadership, at times referring to Field Marshal Munir as his "favourite field marshal", particularly following cooperation during efforts to defuse tensions between Pakistan and India last year.
