The United States appears to be increasingly leaning on Pakistan’s backchannel diplomacy to sustain fragile efforts aimed at preventing a renewed conflict with Iran, as indirect negotiations over sanctions relief, maritime security, and regional stability enter a critical phase. The situation comes amid heightened uncertainty over whether an existing ceasefire between Washington and Tehran can hold.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating communication between the two sides, stating that Pakistani representatives were expected to travel to Tehran as part of ongoing mediation efforts. His remarks came as US President Donald Trump described talks with Iran as being at a critical tipping point between a diplomatic breakthrough and renewed military escalation, underscoring the high stakes involved in the negotiations.
Reports circulating in regional and international media suggest that Pakistan’s political and military leadership has taken an active role in facilitating dialogue. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is said to have visited Iran multiple times within a short span, engaging with senior Iranian officials in an attempt to narrow differences between Tehran and Washington. Some reports have also indicated that Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir could potentially travel to Tehran for high-level consultations, although there has been no official confirmation from Islamabad regarding such a visit.
Also Read: Iran And US Continue Mediation Efforts To Resolve Long-Standing Deadlock
The diplomatic efforts come against the backdrop of earlier informal engagements reportedly hosted in Islamabad, where US and Iranian representatives held indirect discussions facilitated by Pakistani intermediaries. Although those talks did not produce a lasting agreement, they are believed to have established a communication channel that continues to be used as tensions fluctuate. Analysts note that Pakistan’s position as a regional intermediary has gained relevance due to its relationships with both Western and Middle Eastern stakeholders.
A key sticking point in the ongoing negotiations remains the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes. According to reports, discussions are focused on ensuring maritime security guarantees, sanctions relief mechanisms, and rules governing navigation through the strait. Iran has reportedly sought some level of oversight in the waterway following wartime restrictions, while the United States has insisted on unrestricted passage, warning that any form of tolling or control mechanism could derail a potential agreement.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, have maintained a firm stance, with parliamentary leaders warning of strong responses in the event of renewed military action. At the same time, global observers caution that prolonged instability in the region could have far-reaching consequences for energy markets and food prices worldwide. With negotiations still fluid and no formal breakthrough confirmed, Pakistan’s mediation role remains under close watch as a possible deciding factor in whether tensions escalate again or move toward a more stable diplomatic settlement.
Also Read: Supreme Court Refers Kapur Estate Dispute To Mediation Under Ex-CJI Chandrachud