New Delhi — Pakistan’s offer to mediate between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing West Asia tensions is facing scepticism, with Indian officials suggesting the move may be hampered by trust issues and competing regional relationships.
Islamabad has indicated willingness to act as a back-channel facilitator to convey messages between Washington and Tehran. However, officials say Pakistan is attempting to project itself as a peacemaker while simultaneously managing tensions along its western frontier.
A major challenge lies in balancing ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia. While Tehran views both the US and Riyadh as adversaries, Pakistan maintains close strategic and military links with Saudi Arabia. A bilateral security understanding between Islamabad and Riyadh treats aggression against one as a shared concern.
Officials also point to rising mistrust in Tehran. Iranian authorities reportedly believe Pakistan has used its goodwill in ways that indirectly benefit the United States. This perception is said to have been reinforced by developments around the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran allowed limited passage to vessels from select friendly nations, including Pakistan.
Around 10 Pakistani ships were permitted to transit the strategic waterway, but the coordinated movement was viewed by Tehran as indirectly benefiting the United States. Iranian officials reportedly interpreted the episode as Pakistan attempting to maintain favour with Washington while leveraging Iranian concessions.
Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia also face strain. Under their military understanding, Islamabad was expected to support Riyadh amid attacks linked to Iran. However, Pakistan’s decision to limit its role to diplomatic engagement has caused unease in Saudi circles, with Riyadh reportedly exploring defence cooperation with Ukraine, seen as experienced in countering Iranian-made drones.
Saudi Arabia, which has extended financial assistance to Pakistan in the past, is said to be increasingly disillusioned. Officials note that Islamabad’s focus on mediation efforts instead of backing a long-time security partner has contributed to the strain. The stance is also believed to have displeased Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Pakistan’s limited ability to provide military support has further complicated matters. Its forces remain engaged in operations against groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army, reducing its capacity for overseas deployments.
With relations under pressure from both Tehran and Riyadh, Indian diplomats believe Pakistan may struggle to broker any meaningful peace agreement. Observers say mediation efforts rely heavily on trust, and reservations from either side could complicate negotiations.
Analysts also suggest Pakistan’s approach appears aimed at projecting itself as a global peace facilitator while attempting to balance interests with both Iran and the United States, a strategy that may ultimately test its ties across the region.
With inputs from IANS