US intel flags concerns as Trump builds ties with Pakistan army chief Asim Munir

As ties appear to strengthen between Donald Trump and Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, a recent US intelligence assessment has reportedly raised caution, describing Munir as a potential concern for Washington.

Munir has emerged as a key intermediary in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, even visiting Tehran shortly after hostilities escalated. He is considered one of the few figures maintaining working relationships with both the Trump administration and Iran’s military establishment.

Reports indicate that during his tenure as Pakistan’s director general of military intelligence between 2016 and 2017, Munir developed connections within Iran’s leadership, including its intelligence circles and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A retired Pakistani general suggested that Munir had sustained engagement across Iran’s political, military, and intelligence networks, reflecting a broad and long-standing association.

It has also been suggested that Munir maintained personal rapport with senior Iranian commanders such as Qassem Soleimani and Hossein Salami, both of whom were later killed in separate military strikes.

However, some analysts in the United States have reportedly expressed skepticism. Security experts have argued that Pakistan’s past conduct as an ally particularly during the Afghanistan conflict raises questions about its reliability, cautioning that Munir’s links with Iran’s military establishment could pose risks for US strategic interests.

At the same time, observers within Pakistan have noted that Munir’s growing international role reflects the increasing dominance of the military over civilian leadership in shaping the country’s foreign policy direction.

Munir recently concluded a three-day visit to Tehran, where he held discussions with Iran’s top political and military leadership, including the president, foreign minister, and senior defence officials. The visit was aimed at advancing peace efforts amid rising regional tensions.

Meanwhile, another round of talks between the United States and Iran is expected to take place in Islamabad in the coming days, with Pakistan continuing to position itself as a mediator in the conflict.