Pakistan Positions Itself as Bridge Between Washington and Tehran

Pakistan is positioning itself as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict, seeking to reduce tensions and bring Washington and Tehran back to the negotiating table. Islamabad says its diplomatic efforts are aimed at regional de-escalation, renewed dialogue and a negotiated settlement, rather than advancing the interests of either side.

The initiative followed Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran, where he was accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. During the visit, Munir and Naqvi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, security official Mohsen Rezaei, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the discussions focused on breaking the military stalemate, preventing further escalation and exploring ways to restore peace and stability. The talks also addressed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route whose disruption has affected energy markets.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stressed that Pakistan was acting as a mediator. He rejected claims that Munir had travelled to Tehran as an envoy of US President Donald Trump, calling such reports “misleading and factually incorrect.” Islamabad said the visit reflected its “sincere and constructive role” in bridging differences between Washington and Tehran. Iranian leaders, according to Pakistan, appreciated these mediation efforts.

Islamabad has been trying to revive the peace process after a ceasefire and understanding failed to hold amid renewed military tensions. Its approach is to maintain communication with both sides, encourage de-escalatory steps, rebuild trust and create conditions for negotiations to resume.

Pakistan has also opposed unilateral sanctions imposed outside the United Nations framework and said economic issues should form part of a settlement. It continues to argue that diplomacy offers the best route toward a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution.

However, Islamabad’s mediation faces obstacles, including deep US-Iran mistrust, disagreements over sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these challenges, Pakistan says it will continue diplomatic engagement to help restart peace talks and prevent the regional conflict from widening further.