Iran, China & Security Deals: Decoding Trump's Lunch With Asim Munir | Exclusive

4 hours ago 5

ARTICLE AD BOX

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 08:24 IST

Trump has promised Pakistan unprecedented access to American defence technology in return for unconditional military and strategic support against Iran

US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir for a closed-door lunch at the White House on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump, in a high-stakes diplomatic manoeuvre, hosted Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir for a closed-door lunch at the White House on Wednesday. According to top diplomatic sources in Washington, the meeting was anything but ceremonial as Trump laid out a series of sweeping demands and bold offers aimed at reshaping the regional power balance.

America’s New Ask

With tensions rising across the Middle East amid growing fears of a full-scale Iran-Israel conflict, President Trump has reportedly asked Pakistan for unconditional military and strategic support. “If the US goes to war with Iran, we want Pakistan on our side," a top diplomatic source confirmed. This support would include access to air bases, ground logistics, and potentially sea routes—making Pakistan a critical player in any upcoming military theatre.

“Pakistan knows Iran better than most. They’re not happy with what’s happening. They’re not bad with Israel either. They know both sides," Trump said after the luncheon, adding that Munir understood the stakes involved.

Dangling The Carrot

In return, Trump has promised Pakistan unprecedented access to American defence technology—including 5th-generation stealth jets and advanced missile systems—along with significant financial aid. This offer is seen as a counter to Pakistan’s growing dependence on Chinese military support, particularly as the country prepares to receive Chinese J-35A fighters and air defense systems later this year.

Trump also extended the prospect of new security and trade agreements, hinting at a broader US-Pakistan counterterrorism partnership.

Say No to Beijing & Moscow

A key message from President Trump during the talks was unambiguous: stay away from China and Russia. Trump reportedly urged Munir to “distance Pakistan from Eastern blocs," including BRICS, and instead re-join the US-led security framework. “We want our old partner back," a source close to the administration said, underlining Washington’s desire to prevent Pakistan from drifting further into the China-Russia orbit.

Kashmir Back On The Table

Trump once again offered to personally mediate between India and Pakistan on contentious issues—including Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and the Indus Waters Treaty. “These are two big nuclear powers. We don’t want another war. I thanked Field Marshal Munir for not going to war with India. That could’ve been nuclear," the US President had told reporters.

He further stated that both countries had “great people" and expressed optimism about resolving disputes in a peaceful, trade-driven framework.

Pakistan remains the only nuclear nation in the region not firmly aligned with the US-India-Israel-Gulf alliance architecture, including coalitions like I2U2 and US-GCC pacts. Trump’s overtures to Munir are widely viewed as an attempt to bring Pakistan into this strategic fold—especially as the US shores up regional support in the face of escalating tensions with Iran.

Experts believe this could be the most significant shift in US-Pakistan relations since the post-9/11 War on Terror alliance. However, Pakistan’s response—especially regarding its strategic ties with China—remains to be seen.