Why Asim Munir met Iran leaders in combat gear but JD Vance in a suit

All eyes were on Pakistan as Iranian leaders and a US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, arrived in Islamabad for make-or-break talks after both sides secured a fragile two-week ceasefire. However, what drew scrutiny beyond the optics was army chief Asim Munir - and not Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif - receiving the delegations. Munir, widely seen as Pakistan's de facto ruler, turned the occasion into a carefully staged show of authority.

What drew particular attention was Munir's wardrobe switch. While receiving the 71-member Iranian delegation, which was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Munir was seen in combat gear (known as Camouflage Combat Dress). Hours later, as JD Vance arrived at the refurbished (if you know, you know) Nur Khan air base, Munir was all suited and booted.

ASIM MUNIR'S UNIFORM DIPLOMACY

The optics have left geopolitical watchers intrigued. Several experts argued that it was deliberate messaging aimed at both Iran and the US.

"An army officer always has to be in uniform while receiving foreign leaders. Asim Munir is aiming to show that he is a diplomat with the Americans and a soldier with Iran. That is the messaging. This is unbecoming of the conduct of a senior army general," Major General Sanjay Meston (retired) told India Today.

Munir's choice of a black suit while receiving the US Vice President reflects his effort to portray himself as more statesmanlike. Even in his past meetings with US President Donald Trump, who has called him his "favourite Field Marshal", Munir has worn a suit.

Defence expert Sandeep Unnithan underlined that Munir's choice of combat uniform while meeting the Iranians was to send a deliberate message. He pointed towards recent tensions between Iran and Pakistan, including missile exchanges and border flare-ups.

"Munir did not wear the ceremonial army uniform, but the combat dress. It is to show some kind of strength vis--vis Iran that he is going there as a military leader," Unnithan told indiatoday.tech.

"Iran and Pakistan exchanged missiles a couple of years back. There have been border tensions between the two countries as well. These are all for the cameras," he further said.

While Iran and Pakistan have had historically close ties, with geography being a major factor, it had come under strain recently.

In 2024, Iran launched drones and missiles at Pakistan's Balochistan province, targeting Jaish al-Adl, an armed group that Tehran has accused of multiple attacks in the past. The group seeks the independence of Sistan province in Iran.

Days later, Pakistan conducted military strikes inside Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran targeting Baloch militants. The tensions ended only after China intervened. However, ties have been patchy since.

For the US, Munir, wearing a suit, projected himself as a diplomat and not just a military leader who would salute and stand aside. "This clearly shows that Munir has political ambitions," Unnithan said.

ASIM MUNIR AT CENTRE OF POWER

Notably, there was also a third message Munir sought to convey to the world and to Pakistanis back home. That he sits firmly at the centre of power.

Unnithan said that for a Pakistan army chief to go and receive high-ranking officials like the Iranian foreign minister or the US Vice President was unusual.

"Protocol-wise, it should be either the President, the Prime Minister or the Foreign Minister, given the fact that you have a democratically elected government in Pakistan. The army chief does not outrank and outrule everybody else," he said.

Experts said visuals of Munir walking alongside JD Vance on the red carpet, smiling, and interacting with him were more about projection.

"The military rules the roost in Pakistan. Asim Munir has gone a step further. In any international dealings, you will find Asim Munir present. He wants to hog the limelight. He knows he calls the shots and wants to prove it," Major General Sanjay Soi (retd) told India Today.

It was like a hark back to the times when Pakistani dictators like Yahya Khan, General Zia-ul-Haq or General Musharraf would receive foreign visitors.

Former diplomat Rajiv Dogra emphasised that the US was well aware of the dual structure in Pakistan. He pointed towards Vance also warmly engaging with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and patting him at the air base.

"Vance patting the back of Ishaq Dar conveyed a message that the US has consideration for the civilian side also," Dogra said.

The takeaway is clear. Munir using the US-Iran talks to walk away as the tactical winner and to reinforce the message globally that he is the most important man in Pakistan right now.