Trump to Host Pakistan Army Chief Munir for Closed‑Door Lunch Amid Iran‑Israel Crisis
US President Donald Trump is set to host Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for a private lunch at the White House on Wednesday, according to the presidential itinerary. The meeting comes at a critical moment — with Israel‑Iran tensions escalating and US‑Pakistan strategic ties under scrutiny following the May military flare‑up with India.
Munir, who arrived in Washington on Sunday for a five‑day official visit, will meet Trump at around 1 pm (Washington time) in the Cabinet Room. He is also expected to hold talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The visit has sparked protests from Pakistani‑Americans, including supporters of former PM Imran Khan, who gathered outside Munir’s hotel chanting slogans such as “Pakistanio ke Qatil” and “Shame on you, mass murderer,” branding him a dictator. A video shows demonstrators confronting his convoy at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington.
This meeting takes place amid the rising geopolitical tensions following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. Trump has been vocal about Iran’s defeat, declaring its “unconditional surrender” on Truth Social, and emphasized US control over Iran’s airspace.
Munir has expressed Pakistan’s support for Iran, calling for an end to the conflict. In Washington, he reiterated Islamabad’s solidarity with Iran while urging de-escalation.
While Trump navigates the Middle East crisis and escalates nuclear pressure on Iran, the encounter with Munir reflects waning US concerns, with protesters highlighting Pakistan’s domestic rights records and the army chief’s controversial rise.
