Trump Hails Pakistani Leadership for Mediation Efforts
PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir termed “great people”
Washington (April 26, 2026): US President Donald Trump has praised Pakistan’s top leadership for their role in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran, calling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Asim Munir “great people.”
Speaking in a telephonic interview, President Trump said he has “great respect” for the Pakistani leadership, acknowledging their continuous efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
The US president revealed that he cancelled the planned visit of American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, citing extensive travel and associated costs. “If they want to talk, they can come to us or call us,” he said.
Despite the cancellation, Trump reiterated his appreciation for the diplomatic efforts led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, adding that Pakistan will remain involved in the ongoing negotiation process between Washington and Tehran.
President Trump has on multiple occasions commended Pakistan’s civil and military leadership for facilitating dialogue between the two countries. He earlier described their leadership as “kind and very competent” for hosting the first round of talks in Islamabad on April 11.
Pakistan’s efforts to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table — marking one of the highest-level engagements between the two sides in decades — have received international recognition.
During the Islamabad talks, Field Marshal Asim Munir played a central role in welcoming delegations and engaging with US Vice President J. D. Vance, reflecting strong diplomatic coordination.
President Donald Trump also referred to Field Marshal Munir as his “favourite field marshal,” highlighting the rapport developed during previous efforts to ease regional tensions.
