Pakistan’s Quiet Diplomacy |
Following peace talks facilitated by Pakistan, the American and Iranian delegations have now returned to their respective countries. U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance had earlier departed for Washington after enduring an intense, 21-hour round of negotiations. However, it would be premature to declare the talks a failure. According to sources, the process initiated under Pakistan’s mediation is expected to continue in one form or another.
High-level delegations from both countries were present in Islamabad for these negotiations, far from routine diplomatic engagement. Relations between the United States and Iran have remained deeply strained for decades. Since the Iranian Revolution, nearly 47 years ago, this marks the first instance of direct high-level contact between the two sides. It can indeed be considered a moment of fortune that this engagement has been facilitated by Pakistan. Over the past several days, global attention was firmly fixed on Pakistan. As long as the American and Iranian delegations remained on Pakistani soil, international media echoed the name of Pakistan and its civil-military leadership.
Although no formal agreement has yet been reached, the encouraging aspect is that the negotiating table has not been overturned, leaving room for optimism and further progress
Although no formal agreement has yet been reached, the encouraging aspect is that the negotiating table has not been overturned, leaving room for optimism and further progress
In this sensitive situation, Pakistan played a practical and active role as a mediator. Reports suggest that both sides were initially unwilling to sit across the same table. Pakistan successfully persuaded them to do so. During the first round, there was even the moment when, owing to Pakistan’s involvement, the talks evolved from bilateral into trilateral engagement. Although no formal agreement has yet been reached, the encouraging aspect is that the negotiating table has not been overturned, leaving room for optimism and further progress.
Key issues, including control over the Strait of Hormuz and the proliferation of nuclear weapons, remain unresolved and require consensus. In this situation, Isreal is often believed to be a major obstacle, whose actions continue to hinder peace efforts in the Middle East. Despite a ceasefire, Israel’s aggressive bombardment of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, reflects an apparent intent to escalate tensions rather than defuse them.
Regardless of the final outcome, facilitating these talks stands as a major diplomatic achievement for Pakistan, one that is likely to be chronicled in golden words in global political history. Prior to this, Pakistan had already played an effective role in temporarily halting the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. The war has resulted in the loss of thousands of precious lives and left many more injured. Its economic repercussions have been severe, affecting not only the Middle East but the global economy at large. The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz drove oil prices to unprecedented highs. In this context, persuading both nations toward a ceasefire remains a remarkable accomplishment for Pakistan. The country was supported in this effort by allies such as Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkey.
Globally, Pakistan’s political and military leadership is being credited for helping steer the world away from the brink of nuclear conflict. However, India and Israel have expressed visible displeasure. India’s pro-government media has launched a wave of hostile propaganda against Pakistan. While such a reaction from India, Pakistan’s longstanding adversary, may not be surprising, it is regrettable to observe that certain domestic elements, driven by political bias, appear unable to appreciate Pakistan’s growing international stature. This group remains engaged in negative propaganda against its own country through selective media plateforms.
When the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, they appeared confident of suppressing it through sheer force. However, this assumption proved misplaced. The world witnessed Iran standing firm in its defense against the aggression. President Donald Trump had earlier threatened to erase Iranian civilization and push the country “back to the Stone Age.” In response, Iran’s strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz sent shockwaves through the global economy and demonstrated a level of military resilience that even surprised the United States.
Yet, how long can such a situation persist? War, regardless of victory or defeat, brings only devastation to humanity. Statistics published by Al-Jazeera indicate that approximately 2,100 Iranian civilians have lost their lives in this conflict, ranging from an eight-month-old infant to an 88-year-old elderly individual. More than 26,000 Iranians, including women, children, and the elderly, have been injured. Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliatory strikes have led to thousands of casualties across the countries such as Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Syria, Oman, and the UAE. Dozens of American and Israeli soldiers have also been killed, with thousands more civilians injured across the region.
From a financial perspective, the war has cost the United States and Israel billions of dollars. American citizens are increasingly frustrated with the enormous expenditure on the wars, fully aware that such engagements ultimately translate into rising inflation at home. Protests have erupted in several U.S. cities against President Trump, urging him to refrain from entangling the country in wars driven by Israeli interests. His popularity is at stake. While the Iranian public has shown resilience against external aggression, it is worth noting that even before the war, they had been protesting against economic hardship and soaring inflation, demanding relief from their government.
In such circumstances, which country would truly desire a prolonged war? Countries across the Middle East and indeed the wider world, yearn for peace in the region. One can only hope that both the United States and Iran recognize that their people ultimately seek stability, not conflict.
Amid this entire scenario, one conclusion becomes increasingly evident: in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, Pakistan has emerged as a diplomatic victor. The country has been bestowed with considerable respect on the global stage. In May 2025, Pakistan had already demonstrated its strength by delivering a firm response to India, enhancing its international standing. President Trump was seen publicly praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Now, Pakistan has played a role in helping avert a potential third world war or even a nuclear disaster. This diplomatic success has elevated Pakistan’s global image.
The credit for this achievement undoubtedly goes to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Asim Munir. It is hoped that the negotiations will continue and eventually succeed. It may take weeks or even months for both sides to reach a formal agreement. After all, how can nearly five decades of hostility be resolved within a matter of days? If the ceasefire holds, dialogue continues, and both parties move forward step by step toward stability, it would signify that these peace efforts are indeed progressing toward success.
The writer is a Professor of Media and Communication Studies and a broadcast media expert. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Department of Film and Broadcasting at Punjab University.