‘Mr Munir, You Are Fired’: Iranian Journalist Praises Modi, Questions Pakistan’s Role In West Asia

News world ‘Mr Munir, You Are Fired’: Iranian Journalist Praises Modi, Questions Pakistan’s Role In West Asia

‘Mr Munir, You Are Fired’: Iranian Journalist Praises Modi, Questions Pakistan’s Role In West Asia

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Last Updated: September 14, 2026, 20:22 IST

Iranian journalist Basim Laleh criticised Asim Munir’s regional role while praising PM Modi and India’s growing influence in West Asia and BRICS.

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Left: Iranian journalist; Right: Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir

An Iranian journalist, Basim Laleh, has taken a direct swipe at Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, telling him, “Mr Munir, you are fired."

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Basim Laleh told Munir, “Mr Munir, you are fired."

Laleh said the balance of influence in the region was changing and argued that India was now playing a more important role in discussions involving West Asian countries. He pointed to India’s engagement with Iran and the UAE and PM Narendra Modi’s role in BRICS as examples of this shift.

According to Laleh, Pakistan has not been able to deliver on its claims of being an important player in regional security. He particularly questioned Islamabad’s role in matters concerning the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

“You (referring to Munir) can’t do the peace for the global and Strait of Hormuz. And now Mr. Modi replaced… I think the meeting last day between Mr. Pazishkian and Crown Prince Abu Dhabi, this new political for the Strait of Hormuz. And the BRICS with the presidency, Mr. Modi has replaced Pakistan. And I think after two months, we will see the end of any war (sic)," he said.

Laleh also brought Pakistan’s economic troubles into his argument. He said the country’s financial dependence on other nations had weakened its ability to project itself as a major regional power.

#WATCH | BRICS Summit 2026 | Delhi: Iranian journalist Basim Laleh from Didban Iran News Agency says, “More than 20 Presidents and high-level politicians came to Delhi. This Summit is happening after the war between India and Pakistan started…New Delhi is important for all the… pic.twitter.com/SHQmeQOycg— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2026

India, Iran And UAE

The journalist highlighted the meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the BRICS Summit.

For Laleh, the meeting was an indication that regional countries were becoming more open to cooperation despite previous tensions. He placed India within this changing equation and said New Delhi had gained greater diplomatic importance.

He also credited Modi’s role in BRICS, saying India’s position in the grouping had helped it become a more prominent voice among emerging economies.

‘End Of Any War’ In Two Months

Laleh also made a prediction about the wider conflict in West Asia. He said he believed the region could see the end of war within the next two months.

He linked his prediction to greater engagement between countries such as Iran and the UAE. He also contrasted India’s approach of dialogue, trade and economic cooperation with what he described as Pakistan’s association with terrorism and instability.

Laleh’s comments came as the 18th BRICS Summit was being held in New Delhi, with India hosting leaders and representatives from major emerging economies.

His remarks ultimately presented India as a growing force in West Asian diplomacy while questioning Pakistan’s ability to maintain the regional influence it has sought to project.

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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 Why did Iranian journalist Basim Laleh say "Mr Munir, you are fired" during the BRICS Summit? Iranian journalist Basim Laleh made the statement to criticize Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, arguing that Pakistan has failed to deliver on its claims of being a key player in regional security and global peace. He pointed out that Pakistan's financial dependence on other nations has weakened its regional influence, and its policies are increasingly viewed by Gulf nations and Iran as a source of instability. How does Basim Laleh view India's diplomatic role in West Asia compared to Pakistan's? Basim Laleh stated that the regional balance of influence is shifting, with India playing a more prominent diplomatic role in West Asia through engagement with Iran and the UAE. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in BRICS for elevating India's position. Laleh contrasted India's approach of dialogue, trade, and economic cooperation with what he described as Pakistan's association with terrorism, instability, and empty promises. What prediction did journalist Basim Laleh make regarding conflicts in West Asia? During the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Basim Laleh predicted that the wider conflict in West Asia could see an end to war within the next two months. He linked this potential resolution to increased diplomatic engagement and cooperation between regional countries, specifically highlighting the meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Powered by Ask News18

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

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First Published: September 14, 2026, 20:22 IST

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