Islamabad: Pakistan made headlines when it helped create the diplomatic opening between Washington and Tehran. As the US and Iran take tougher positions over the Strait of Hormuz, questions arise about whether Pakistan can still effectively mediate in the ongoing conflict. Talks on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman are progressing, but negotiations between the US and Iran remain stalled.
According to Deutsche Welle, Pakistan has been attempting to bring both sides back to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a 14-point interim peace deal aimed at ending the conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. This diplomatic effort highlights Pakistan's initial role in facilitating dialogue between the two nations.
Amid the US-Iran war, Pakistan signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. This development raises questions about whether the new alliance could be counterproductive to Pakistan's diplomatic efforts. At this stage, the extent of Pakistan's contribution as a mediator remains uncertain, as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve.