Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary in U.S.-Iran diplomacy after months of shuttle talks, draft revisions and regional coordination involving Gulf states and China. An interim understanding has been reached, but officials warn the most difficult phase of negotiations still lies ahead.
Since the conflict began on 28 February, Pakistani officials have served as an intermediary channel between Washington and Tehran, transmitting proposals and refining draft texts, according to sources familiar with the talks.
Islamabad reportedly “shuttled multiple peace proposals between both capitals” as negotiations repeatedly stalled over issues including access through the Strait of Hormuz and wider regional tensions.
A major breakthrough came with a 14-point interim framework presented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, aimed at reducing hostilities and safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies pass.
“There were many moments during the negotiations when it looked as if the process would grind to a halt,” Sharif told parliament.
Pakistan’s emergence reflects its unique diplomatic positioning. Unlike several Gulf states, it does not host U.S. military bases, helping to preserve Tehran’s trust while maintaining working relations with Washington, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Türkiye and Egypt.
Its geography - linking South Asia, the Middle East, China and the Arabian Sea - further strengthens its role as a regional connector.
Pakistan’s standing in Washington has also improved following its cooperation in the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, the alleged planner of the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, and its handling of the 2025 India–Pakistan crisis, which reinforced its image as a responsible regional actor.
This improvement has been reflected in a series of high-level contacts between U.S. and Pakistani officials, helping to preserve communication channels at a time when Washington was seeking credible intermediaries with access to Tehran.
Security concerns are central to Islamabad’s approach. Pakistan shares a nearly 900-kilometre border with Iran, and officials fear prolonged instability could increase cross-border violence, refugee flows and sectarian tensions.
Economic factors are equally significant. Nearly 90% of Pakistan’s crude oil imports come from Gulf states, while almost all LNG supplies originate from Qatar.
Officials estimate that heightened tensions could add around $600 million to Pakistan’s monthly oil import bill. More than half of the country’s roughly $30 billion in annual remittances also come from Gulf countries.
Disruptions to global supply chains have further increased fertiliser costs, affecting Pakistan’s agriculture sector, while a stable regional environment could boost demand for Pakistani labour in Gulf construction and healthcare sectors.
Islamabad maintains working channels with Washington, Tehran, Beijing and key Gulf capitals, enabling communication across multiple geopolitical divides.
Pakistan’s diplomatic value is further strengthened by its close ties with China, which relies on the Middle East for more than half of its energy imports.
Speaking to AnewZ's Inside Politics, former Pakistani Information Minister Mushahid Hussain said Islamabad’s mediation efforts reflect "the active support and cooperation of China", adding that "Pakistan and China are on the same page regarding South Asia and the Middle East and the prospects of peace".
Qatar played a facilitative role in the talks. A diplomat involved in the negotiations said Doha helped break a 10-day impasse by providing financial assurances to Iranian authorities and enabling indirect contacts.
Despite its growing influence, Pakistan remains a facilitator rather than a guarantor of any agreement.
Core disagreements over sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear programme, proxy conflicts and regional security dynamics, including issues involving Israel and Lebanon, remain unresolved.
Nevertheless, Islamabad’s role has elevated its standing as a middle power capable of bridging rival geopolitical blocs, even as the outcome of a final agreement remains uncertain.
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