According to Axios, the United States is pushing for talks with Iran in Islamabad as early as Thursday. While the Iranian response remains unknown, the move underscores Pakistan's pivotal role in the conflict. AP reports that Iran has received a 15-point US ceasefire proposal via Pakistani intermediaries.
Pakistan's unique positioning now allows it to establish itself as the natural mediator. Islamabad is working with both Washington and Tehran, despite historically strained relations with both capitals.
Ultimately, Pakistan has a vested interest in securing a diplomatic resolution. Sharing a border with Iran, it seeks to avoid a regime collapse and the subsequent risk of regional chaos. Pakistan also hosts the world's second-largest Shia Muslim population after Iran - protests erupted following the launch of the US-Israeli operation and the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Pakistan's central role in negotiations is the culmination of efforts initiated since Donald Trump's return to the White House. Notably, Pakistan leveraged its conflict with India in April/May 2025 to pivot closer to Washington. In June, Army Chief Asim Munir was received by Donald Trump at the White House.
From mediators to belligerents?
In recent years, Gulf nations had established themselves as mediators in numerous conflicts, a role that bolstered their international credibility. Acting as neutral, trusted partners was also intended to insulate them from direct involvement in hostilities.
Since Donald Trump's return to the White House, the United Arab Emirates has played a part in US efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Abu Dhabi hosted several meetings between American, Russian and Ukrainian officials in bilateral and trilateral formats.
Qatar, meanwhile, mediated between the DRC and Rwanda, as the Congolese army faced an armed insurgency in the east. The M23 rebels are backed by Rwanda. The meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame in March 2025 was a major diplomatic coup for Doha (though only one is smiling in the official photo). In November, the DRC and M23 signed a peace framework agreement in Qatar, preceding the peace treaty signed in Washington in December. However, fighting continues despite these diplomatic efforts.
Finally, Oman served as the intermediary for discussions between the US and Iran. Since both countries have lacked formal diplomatic ties since 1979, talks are invariably indirect. In the spring of 2025, the Sultanate hosted several rounds of negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear program. US strikes halted that process, though discussions resumed early this year before Donald Trump decided to strike Iran.
Now, Gulf nations are too deeply entangled in the Iranian conflict to maintain their mediator status. As US allies, the American bases on their soil have become primary targets for Iranian strikes.
For several weeks, Gulf states have unsuccessfully attempted to discourage Donald Trump from attacking Iran. Despite daily Iranian attacks on their territory, they have yet to retaliate, wanting to avoid further escalation. However, this purely defensive posture is becoming increasingly untenable as Iranian strikes continue and damages mount. According to the Wall Street Journal, it is only a matter of time before Saudi Arabia enters the conflict.
