The high-stakes diplomacy that led to Pakistan hosting US-Iran peace talks
The high-stakes diplomacy that led to Pakistan hosting US-Iran peace talks
Pakistan’s role in facilitating a two-week US-Iran ceasefire has sparked national pride, with the capital Islamabad declaring a two-day holiday ahead of upcoming discussions. Though the talks remain uncertain, the city has already mobilized around 10,000 security personnel to ensure stability. The global implications are significant, as the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial oil conduit—remains central to international energy flows. Yet Pakistan’s own strategic position is equally critical.
A pivotal nation in regional tensions
Experts warn that a failed negotiation could thrust Pakistan into a “nightmare scenario” involving conflicts with both Afghanistan and India, alongside its ongoing struggles with insurgencies. “If the talks collapse, Pakistan’s three borders might become battlegrounds,” says Abdul Basit, a South Asia scholar at Nanyang Technological University. This follows the country’s mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, which has solidified its commitment to aligning with Gulf allies. Meanwhile, domestic social media buzzes with optimism, celebrating the nation’s diplomatic breakthrough.
Pakistan’s success is seen as a lifeline for a country grappling with political instability, economic fragility, and a longstanding rivalry with India. The nation’s ability to broker peace is attributed to its unique position as a trusted mediator among the US, Iran, and Gulf states. This trust is exemplified by the leadership of Asim Munir, Pakistan’s military chief, whom US President Donald Trump once called his “favourite field marshal.”
Trump’s allies and strategic partnerships
Munir’s efforts have deepened ties with Trump’s administration, particularly after securing two key victories. The first came when he delivered the alleged perpetrator of the 2021 Kabul airport attack to US authorities, a move that saved lives during the Afghanistan evacuation. “Trump praised this in his first address to Congress,” notes Maleeha Lodhi, a former Pakistan ambassador to the US and UN. The second was persuading Trump that he played a vital role in averting a broader Indo-Pak war.
These relationships have also led to significant economic and technological collaborations. In September 2025, Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation—operated under military oversight—signed a $500 million deal with a US firm. Additionally, an agreement with World Liberty Financials, a crypto venture co-founded by Trump, aims to integrate a stablecoin into Pakistan’s digital payment system.
Testing the balance of alliances
Despite these close ties, Pakistan has not shied away from criticizing US-Israeli actions in Iran. However, when Iran targeted Saudi Arabia, a key ally, the nation swiftly condemned the attack. On 7 April, Pakistan abstained from a UN Security Council resolution urging coordinated efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its independent stance in the evolving crisis.
“Pakistan averted catastrophe,” says Basit. “No other country could broker this ceasefire, and the world is watching closely to see if it holds.”
