Pakistan,a country that is currently at a war both internally and externally; steps up to mediate peace between the US and Iran as reported by World’s leading news outlets.

This dual role reflects Pakistan’s strategic importance, but also highlights the difficult balancing act it must perform.Internally, the country has faced a resurgence of terrorism in recent years. Militant groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have intensified their attacks, leading to significant civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. These groups are widely believed by Pakistani authorities to operate from safe havens across the border in Afghanistan, complicating efforts to eliminate them. The persistence of such attacks has not only strained Pakistan’s security apparatus but has also created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among its population. As a response to these exacerbating terrorist incidents, Pakistan decided to launch war with Afghanistan, followed by the air strikes in Feb, 2026, targeting militant hideouts and weaponry that is used against Pakistan. At the same time, Pakistan continues to face a longstanding and persistent challenge along its eastern border with India. The perception of an ongoing threat, reinforced by statements regarding continued military operations such as Operation Sindoor, requires constant vigilance. This dual-front security concern places immense pressure on Pakistan’s military

On February 28, U.S. and Israel launched an unjustified attack on Iran referred to as Operation Epic Fury involving the targeted air strikes on Iranian military assets and nuclear sites. U.S also assassinated the Iranian supreme leader Ali Khameneiand later the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larjani. Iran responded heavily by attacking the U.S bases across the gulf states and air strikes in Israel that caused huge deaths and infrastructure damage. Experts say that the goal of U.S and Israel regarding the war with Iran is both strategic and eschatological. They want a regime change in Iran that is in Israel’s favor while Israel continues to be a bully in the region; carrying out Netanyahu’s dangerous plan of creation of the Greater Israel stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates, incorporating all of Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon, plus parts of Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Still, these objectives are not clear.

The current geopolitical landscape is witnessing a dramatic shift as the conflict between the United States and Iran enters a critical phase. While President Trump initially adopted a posture of “maximum pressure,” the unexpected resilience and strategic counter-maneuvers from Tehran have reportedly left the administration at a crossroads. Observers suggest that while certain factions within Trump’s inner circle and regional allies like Benjamin Netanyahu may lean toward continued military engagement, the high stakes of a direct war have forced a pivot toward high-level diplomacy.

Amidst this volatility, Pakistan has emerged as a pivotal mediator, uniquely positioned to bridge the chasm between Washington and Tehran. This role is bolstered by several strategic factors:

1. The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA)

In September 2025, Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a historic Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA). This pact, which treats an act of aggression against one as an act against both, solidified Pakistan’s role as a guarantor of Gulf security. By leveraging this “collective security” framework, Pakistan is not acting in isolation but as a representative of a broader regional consensus that views a full-scale US-Iran war as catastrophic for global energy markets and regional stability.

2. Deep-Rooted Ties and Border Dynamics

Pakistan shares a 900-mile border with Iran, making the avoidance of conflict a matter of national survival. Beyond geography, Pakistan hosts the world’s largest Shia population after Iran, creating deep socio-cultural and religious links that facilitate “back-door” diplomacy. Simultaneously, Pakistan remains a key non-NATO ally of the U.S., notably one that does not host American military bases—a fact that enhances its perceived neutrality in the eyes of the Iranian leadership.

3. Islamabad as a Diplomatic Hub

Recent reports from leading media outlets suggest that Islamabad is being prepared as the venue for face-to-face US-Iran talks. The momentum for this intensified after President Trump retweeted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for peace, signaling a public endorsement of Pakistan’s mediatory efforts. Furthermore, communications between Field Marshal AsimMunir and the White House indicate that the military leadership is also heavily invested in ensuring these “conclusive” talks succeed.U.S. officials including Vice President JD Vance,Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner (senior advisor) are expected to come in pakitan while on the IranisideMohammad BagherGhalibaf (Parliament Speaker, emerging as a central negotiator), Abbas Araghchi (Foreign Minister, involved in diplomatic channels

4. The Stakes of Failure

A continued war would not only destabilize the Middle East but would likely trigger a massive refugee crisis and economic collapse across the border in Pakistan. By positioning itself as the host for a comprehensive settlement, Pakistan is attempting to move the region away from “prophecy-driven” escalations and toward a pragmatic, multilateral peace.

By this move, Pakistan diplomacy is considered at top as a major player in the region that is going to bring U.S. and Iran at the negotiation table. Pakistan can provide a neutral ground for Iran as Iran pushes for Six-Point Agenda for peace. The first and foremost element centers on a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities, with Iran insisting on a formal end to military operations against its territory. Closely tied to this is the demand forguarantees against future aggression, particularly from the United States and its allies, as Tehran remains deeply skeptical due to past conflicts and failed agreements.

The third key component involves compensation for war damages, highlighting Iran’s position that any peace settlement must address the economic and infrastructural losses incurred during the conflict. This aligns with its broader narrative of resisting external pressure while seeking accountability. Another crucial point is the recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over strategic assets, especially the new law related to Strait of Hormuz, which holds immense geopolitical and economic significance in global energy markets. Iran also firmly rejects any restrictions on itsballistic missile program, making this a non-negotiable aspect of its defense policy. This stance directly challenges demands often made by Western powers, thereby complicating the path to a comprehensive agreement. Lastly, Iran emphasizes the need for respect for its political independence and regional role, including the absence of external interference in its internal affairs or alliances.

[About the Author Abdul Wahab is an alumni of Government and Public Policy at the National Defence University.]

© Pakistan Observer