PAKISTAN’S role as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict has placed it at the forefront of diplomatic efforts, prompting many to recognise the country as a middle power. This delicate balancing act in conflict resolution has garnered international acclaim for Pakistan. However, concerns arise regarding the sustainability of this prominent position, given entrenched geopolitical fault lines.

In an increasingly fractured world order and the emergence of multilateralism, the role of middle powers has become more significant in the resolution of conflicts. However, this task is complicated when powerful countries use military force without regard for international laws. The illegal US-Israel war on Iran serves as a pertinent example. Nevertheless, the warring parties still require some form of mediation or facilitation to end the conflict.

Pakistan is ideally positioned for that role. It has close relations with both the US and Iran and has not been directly or indirectly involved in the conflict. It has also enjoyed the confidence of regional countries in the situation. Bringing Iran and the US to the negotiating table was certainly a challenging task.

In recent years, several countries have acted as facilitators in peace talks during conflicts. However, Pakistan has been far more deeply involved as an interlocutor in its efforts to resolve a most complicated and volatile situation. There is, though, still the question of whether playing this intricate role qualifies Pakistan as a middle power as other criteria may be necessary to fit that definition.

No doubt, it’s a feel-good moment, but it........

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