Laleh argued that these developments reflected a changing regional landscape in which Pakistan’s role was becoming less significant.
He contrasted Pakistan’s position with India’s growing diplomatic engagement across the Gulf and its expanding role within Brics.
India’s growing role in West AsiaLaleh highlighted India’s engagement with both Iran and the UAE, saying New Delhi has assumed greater importance in the region.
According to Laleh, the emerging relationship involving Iran, the UAE and India points to a reduced role for Pakistan in regional diplomatic and security discussions.
According to Laleh, India’s diplomatic engagement and OM Modi’s influence could contribute to a broader peace process.
Basim Laleh questioned Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir’s role in regional security while highlighting India’s growing engagement with Iran and the UAE
An Iranian journalist has launched a sharp attack on Pakistan and its Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in reshaping the geopolitical equation in West Asia and within the Brics grouping.
Speaking to news agency ANI on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in New Delhi, Iranian journalist Basim Laleh directly addressed Pakistan’s military chief and said, “Mr Munir, you are fired.”
Laleh questioned Munir’s ability to contribute to peace efforts and regional security, particularly in relation to 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)," Laleh said.
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The remarks came against the backdrop of shifting diplomatic equations in West Asia, with Iran, the United Arab Emirates and India showing greater engagement.
Laleh argued that these developments reflected a changing regional landscape in which Pakistan’s role was becoming less significant.
‘Pakistan has failed’ on regional security
Laleh accused Pakistan of failing to live up to its claims of being an important security partner in West Asia. He specifically questioned Islamabad’s contribution to peace and security around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region.
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The journalist also criticised policies associated with Munir, arguing that they had contributed to instability rather than helping resolve regional tensions.
His criticism extended beyond Pakistan’s military leadership to Islamabad’s broader regional ambitions.
Laleh pointed to Pakistan’s economic difficulties and reliance on external financial assistance as factors that, in his view, have weakened the country’s ability to project itself as a major regional power.
He contrasted Pakistan’s position with India’s growing diplomatic engagement across the Gulf and its expanding role within Brics.
India’s growing role in West Asia
Laleh highlighted India’s engagement with both Iran and the UAE, saying New Delhi has assumed greater importance in the region.
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His remarks came as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in New Delhi.
The meeting took place amid continuing tensions in West Asia and efforts by regional countries to prevent further escalation. Laleh described the interaction between Iran and the UAE, alongside India’s engagement with both countries, as an indication of a changing diplomatic landscape.
According to Laleh, the emerging relationship involving Iran, the UAE and India points to a reduced role for Pakistan in regional diplomatic and security discussions.
He also credited PM Modi with strengthening India’s position on the global stage, particularly through the Brics platform.
India is hosting the 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi, giving New Delhi a prominent role in discussions involving major emerging economies.
Claim of a two-month path to peace
The Iranian journalist also made a prediction about the wider regional conflict, saying tensions and the threat of war could ease within the next two months.
According to Laleh, India’s diplomatic engagement and OM Modi’s influence could contribute to a broader peace process. He contrasted what he described as India’s focus on dialogue, economic cooperation and trade with Pakistan’s association with terrorism, instability and repeated requests for financial assistance.
Laleh further argued that countries that have traditionally had strained relations, including Iran and the UAE, are now showing greater willingness to cooperate.
He placed India at the centre of what he described as an evolving diplomatic equation, while portraying Pakistan as increasingly marginal to discussions surrounding regional security, trade and economic cooperation.
With inputs from agencies
