THE ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict significantly impacts Pakistan’s national interests due to its deep ties with the Gulf states.

The crisis heightens Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and economic challenges. Responding, Islamabad has skillfully pursued a bold diplomatic role as a mediator to de-escalate the conflict. Pakistan has clearly opposed the war, upheld United Nations Charter principles and consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution.

Pakistan openly called the US and Israel’s aggression a breach of law and negated their justification for invading Iran. Islamabad’s stance is echoed by many of the United States’ allies and partners. For example, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opined that the US-Israeli attacks on Iran are “a violation of international law.” President Trump’s illusion about ‘Americanization’ of Iran after a swift military operation was dashed due to the Iranian’s firm resistance and brilliant defence strategy grounded on the concept of asymmetrical warfare and calculated horizontal escalation.

Since the start of the war, Pakistan’s leaders—Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister........

© Pakistan Observer