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Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran, hosting talks and engaging in backchannel diplomacy. But its neutrality is being questioned, and its role has drawn criticism from a prominent US senator, according to multiple reports.
Coverage Comparison
Deutsche Welle reports that Pakistan has taken a leading role in peace efforts, with officials viewing stability in the Gulf as critical to the country's economic and security interests. The outlet notes that Islamabad's efforts include hosting talks and serving as an intermediary for backchannel diplomacy, and that China has encouraged Pakistan to expand its diplomatic role.
The Hindu, meanwhile, highlights criticism from US Senator Lindsey Graham, who called Pakistan's role as a mediator "problematic" due to its long-standing animosity toward Israel. The Hindu also reports that Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has said Islamabad is not in favor of joining the Abraham Accords, citing the country's position of not recognizing Israel until a Palestinian state is established.
Key Claims
Pakistan's mediation role
According to Deutsche Welle, Pakistan has taken on a leading role in peace efforts between the US and Iran, hosting talks and serving as an intermediary for backchannel diplomacy. The report says a high-level summit between the US and Iran was held in Islamabad, and that China has encouraged Pakistan to expand its diplomatic role.
The same report quotes Michael Kugelman, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, as saying that Pakistan risks criticism if its efforts to revive US-Iran talks fail, especially after publicly taking a leading mediation role. "With talks stalled, Pakistan's options are limited because a mediator cannot force two deeply distrustful sides to negotiate," Kugelman said.
A senior Pakistani government official involved in the negotiation process told Deutsche Welle that Pakistan is "trying its best to engage both parties" and views tensions between Washington and Tehran with "grave concern." The official added that Pakistan is committed to "playing a constructive diplomatic role to support immediate de-escalation and a peaceful resolution."
Senator Graham's criticism
The Hindu reports that Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, said on X that "it has been apparent to me for quite a while that Pakistan as a mediator is more than problematic. Their animosity towards Israel is long standing." Graham also asked Pakistan to respond to US President Donald Trump's call to join the Abraham Accords.
Graham's remarks came after Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said he is not in favor of Islamabad joining the Abraham Accords, which establish diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Israel and Arab nations. Asif reiterated Pakistan's long-standing position not to accept Israel until a Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital is established.
Graham said that "as to the defence minister's comments about the Abraham Accords, saying that Pakistan would never join because they don't trust Israel: The clip may be a year old, but I fear the sentiment is fresh." He added, "In that regard, it is imperative that Pakistan give an answer now to President Trump's call to join the Abraham Accords."
Aircraft on Pakistani airbases
The Hindu reports Graham said it is "undeniable" that Iranian military aircraft were being housed on Pakistani air bases, referencing past rhetoric from Pakistani officials against Israel as disturbing.
Deutsche Welle, however, reports that Pakistan's Foreign Office immediately denied a CBS News report, which cited unnamed US officials, that Pakistan had allowed Iran to park its aircraft on Pakistani airbases, shielding them from US strikes. The denial suggests the claim is contested, with Pakistan maintaining it has not allowed such use of its facilities.
Perspectives
From Islamabad's perspective, officials emphasize the strategic importance of stability in the Gulf, arguing that a broader US-Iran conflict could disrupt trade routes, deepen energy pressures, inflame sectarian tensions, and destabilize border regions with Iran. The Pakistani government also sees this mediation as an opportunity to enhance its international prestige.
From the US perspective, Senator Graham's comments reflect concerns about Pakistan's long-standing position toward Israel and whether it can serve as an honest broker in the Iran conflict. His call for Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords suggests he sees this as a test of Pakistan's commitment to regional stability.
Analysts like Michael Kugelman caution that Pakistan's public embrace of a mediation role carries risks, as failed efforts could lead to criticism and reputational damage. However, they also note that a mediator's ability to force negotiations is limited by the deep mistrust between the US and Iran.
The differing coverage from Deutsche Welle and The Hindu highlights these tensions: while Deutsche Welle focuses on Pakistan's constructive diplomatic efforts and the challenges of mediation, The Hindu emphasizes the criticism from Washington and the unresolved issues surrounding Pakistan's relationship with Israel and Iran.