A US senator called Pakistan's role as mediator between the US and Iran problematic, citing concerns over its nuclear program and ties to Tehran. Business Fortune reports on the diplomatic setback.
A senior United States senator has raised serious objections to Pakistan's role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, casting doubt on the viability of Islamabad's diplomatic initiative amid ongoing efforts to end the Iran war.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent voice on foreign policy, told reporters that Pakistan's history of sheltering Osama bin Laden, its expanding nuclear arsenal, and its deepening economic and military ties with China make it an unsuitable intermediary. "The idea that Pakistan can be an honest broker between the United States and Iran is a non-starter," Graham said.
The senator's remarks come just days before Pakistan was scheduled to host a second round of talks between US and Iranian officials. Those negotiations are now in doubt. Pakistani diplomats had been working to bridge significant gaps between the two sides, with a focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting military strikes.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a natural mediator due to its close relationship with Saudi Arabia and its influence over Iran's neighboring Baloch populations. But Graham's objections reflect broader skepticism in Washington about Islamabad's reliability.
The senator also noted Pakistan's increasing alignment with China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project. He warned that Beijing could influence any mediation effort to serve its own strategic interests in the Gulf; including securing discounted oil and expanding its naval presence.
Iran has welcomed Pakistan's mediation efforts, but Tehran has also insisted that any negotiation must include lifting of sanctions and withdrawal of US naval forces from the region. Washington has rejected those preconditions.
The State Department declined to comment on Graham's remarks, referring questions to the White House. A National Security Council spokesperson said the administration continues to explore multiple diplomatic channels and has not endorsed any single mediator.
The Pakistani foreign ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment.
