Pakistan Army Chief Munir Cancels Tehran Trip — Interior Minister Naqvi Goes Instead; Munir Supervising Written Exchanges from Islamabad — Day 84

Field Marshal Asim Munir's planned follow-up trip to Tehran on May 22, 2026 (Day 84) was called off despite US Secretary of State Rubio saying earlier in the day that he believed 'the Pakistanis will be travelling to Tehran today' and citing 'some good signs.' Al-Hadath TV reported that Munir would only travel to Tehran if the 'final formula' was already in place — a condition not yet met on Day 84. In lieu of Munir, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi traveled to Tehran on May 22 — his second visit in one week. Naqvi's previous Tehran visit occurred on May 17 (Day 79). Field Marshal Munir is reported to be supervising the written exchange process between Washington and Tehran from Islamabad, with both sides communicating through Pakistani-managed back-channels. The decision not to send Munir in person — despite Rubio's morning optimism — suggests the 'final formula' on the nuclear moratorium duration had not yet been agreed upon. Secretary Rubio, speaking to reporters on Day 84, simultaneously cited 'slight progress' and 'good signs' while cautioning against premature optimism. Rubio also rejected any deal framework that would permit Iran to permanently control or charge tolls for Strait of Hormuz shipping, stating the US demands Hormuz remain 'open and free.' The Munir cancellation signals the deal was not finalized by end of Day 84 despite the Al Arabiya leak suggesting otherwise.