Pakistan draws attention for mediation role in US-Iran tensions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received international attention for its role in efforts linked to tensions between the United States and Iran, with TRT World describing Islamabad as one of the few states trusted by both sides.

Cited by Geo News, Pakistan followed a quiet, disciplined and effective diplomatic course at a time when several regional countries were vying for influence in the Middle East. The report credited Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir with helping sustain communication between Washington and Tehran through backchannel contacts and continued engagement during a difficult period.

TRT World portrayed Munir as a pragmatic figure whose approach relied on discreet engagement rather than public messaging. His diplomacy was built on consistency, predictability and preserving channels of communication between rival sides even during periods of strain.

His leadership had helped revive Pakistan’s relevance in regional diplomacy and strengthened Islamabad’s voice in the evolving geopolitical landscape of West Asia. Pakistan’s location, military standing, intelligence capabilities and relations with both the US and Iran gave it a distinctive diplomatic position.

Why Pakistan was seen as well placed

According to TRT World, Pakistan has maintained active ties with the United States, China, Gulf states, Iran and Türkiye, enabling it to remain engaged with competing camps without fully aligning with any one side. This balance contributed to Pakistan’s usefulness as an intermediary.

US public policy expert Laurie Watkins said Pakistan had become an acceptable go-between because it was not seen as permanently aligned with any camp. Former foreign minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said states become relevant when they are useful at the right moment, adding that several competing powers currently needed Pakistan as a channel of communication.

Retired Lieutenant General Muhammad Saeed said diplomacy should be assessed by outcomes rather than visibility, adding that Munir’s focus remained on keeping dialogue open between the two sides.

Regional standing and challenges

The report also linked Pakistan’s stronger regional standing to the 2025 military conflict with India after the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Munir’s leadership during that conflict enhanced Pakistan’s strategic credibility in the region.

The Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in September 2025 had also contributed to improving Pakistan’s regional position. At the same time, Pakistan would need to address economic difficulties and political divisions if it is to sustain its growing diplomatic influence.