Pakistan’s involvement in mediating between the US and Iran initially enhanced its diplomatic standing but has also led to risks, including alienating allies like Saudi Arabia. This has raised concerns in Washington and Tehran, highlighting Islamabad’s reliance on countries such as China and Qatar to navigate the negotiations.
Saudi Arabia has been unsettled by Pakistan’s perceived alignment with Iran, straying from Gulf security priorities that Riyadh expected. Despite attempts to balance consultations with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s visible closeness to Iran and military-led diplomacy have cast doubts on Islamabad’s reliability.
The strategic partnership long held between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, reinforced by the 2025 Strategic Defence and Military Agreement, has been tested. Riyadh anticipated Pakistan’s firm allegiance to the Gulf camp, especially in the event of potential Iranian attacks.
An article by the American think tank Stimson pointed out that while Riyadh seemed supportive of Pakistan’s diplomatic overtures with Iran, any resumption of Iranian attacks against Saudi Arabia would require active defense contributions from Pakistan under their security agreement. The delicate balancing act among the US, Iran, and Saudi Arabia may become unsustainable if the fragile US-Iran ceasefire collapses.
Pakistan’s neutral stance is facing significant pressure as its defense pact ties it to Saudi Arabia, while geographical and sectarian dynamics bind it to Iran. The country finds itself unexpectedly caught between Tehran and Riyadh, a situation exacerbated by the China-brokered reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, according to an opinion piece in Al Jazeera.
Despite positioning itself as a mediator, Pakistan has heavily relied on support from other nations. The joint statement by Pakistan and China on March 31, proposing a five-point plan to resolve the Iran conflict, acknowledged Pakistan’s limitations as a mediator and the necessity of a major global actor to bolster its diplomatic efforts. Notably, Qatar quietly steered the latest truce attempt in Switzerland, underscoring Pakistan’s dependence on external support.
Reports indicate that Iranian media coverage has downplayed Pakistan’s mediation role in the US-Iran talks, emphasizing Qatar as a more credible broker. While Iran and Qatar’s diplomatic initiatives have been highlighted, Pakistan’s role has been portrayed as limited or supportive, raising questions about its effectiveness in the negotiations.
