Intensifying Israeli bombing of civilian targets in Iran and a growing U.S. military presence in the Gulf are jeopardizing Pakistan’s efforts to host peace talks between Iran and the United States.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistan is attempting to leverage its neutrality and relationships with both Iran and the U.S. to facilitate negotiations. The country does not have a direct role in the Middle East conflict and does not host American military bases, offering a potentially unbiased venue.
Pakistan’s de facto leader, military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, has established a line of communication with the U.S. president, while Islamabad’s ties with Tehran have strengthened in recent years.
Both sides have expressed a willingness to engage in talks, according to Pakistani officials. However, the widening conflict, lack of trust, and significant differences in stated positions present substantial obstacles.
Concerns Over Israeli Actions
Pakistani officials believe Israel poses the greatest threat to any potential negotiations. On Friday, Israel bombed two of Iran’s largest steel plants and civilian nuclear sites, actions that Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said contradicted President Donald Trump’s announcement of a pause in attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Iran also reported attacks on two universities. Pakistani officials fear such strikes on non-military targets could derail the talks.
Iran’s primary objective is to secure an end to the conflict and assurances against future attacks from the U.S. and Israel, according to Maleeha Lodhi, a former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S.
Lodhi expressed skepticism about relying on Trump’s word, describing him as “not a rational player” and “completely whimsical.”
Sticking Points in Negotiations
Trump has asserted that Iran “wants a deal so badly,” but Tehran views this as Trump “negotiating with himself.”
Iran seeks not only a ceasefire but a guarantee that the war is over. One proposal involves Iran maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for Gulf oil and gas exports. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has deemed this unacceptable, although Trump has suggested a joint U.S.-Iranian administration of the strait.
So far, Pakistan has relayed proposals between the two sides, which have been characterized by hardline positions. Pakistani officials remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached if both Iran and the U.S. are genuinely committed to finding a solution.
Regional Alignment and Escalation
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts intensified on Saturday with a phone call between Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Sunday and Monday to discuss ways to end the war.
These four countries are forming a new alignment within the Muslim world, combining significant military strength and Saudi Arabia’s financial resources. However, Saudi Arabian officials have privately expressed a desire for the bombardment to continue, despite repeated attacks on their own territory.
Islamabad anticipates any talks will be indirect, with Pakistani officials acting as intermediaries between U.S. and Iranian delegations in separate rooms. Tehran has refused to engage in direct face-to-face negotiations with U.S. officials.
Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation with a large army, could provide security for a venue and air escorts for Iranian officials.
Iran has accused Washington of deception, citing previous bombings during talks. A buildup of U.S. troops in the region, including a potential deployment of 10,000 additional soldiers alongside 7,000 already en route, raises doubts about the U.S.’s commitment to peace negotiations.
To foster trust, Pakistan suggested that Vice President JD Vance represent the U.S., an idea Iran has embraced. Tehran has expressed distrust of previous U.S. interlocutors, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and views Vance as more skeptical of the war.
Vance stated on Friday that the U.S. had achieved most of its military objectives but added, “The president’s going to keep at it for a little while longer to ensure that once we leave, we don’t have to do this again for a very, very long time.”
Pakistan has a further incentive to pursue peace, having signed a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia that could compel its involvement in the conflict on Riyadh’s side. Given its long border with Iran and the world’s second-largest Shia Muslim population, Pakistan is determined to avoid such an outcome.
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