Iran Questions Pakistan's Mediation Role Amid West Asia Tensions
Iranian Lawmakers Express Concerns Over Pakistan's Mediation Credibility
Tehran: Lawmakers in Iran have expressed skepticism regarding Pakistan's ability to mediate the ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of the Iranian parliament from Dashtestan, criticized Islamabad's credibility as a mediator. While he acknowledged Pakistan as a "good friend" and a "neighbor," he accused it of prioritizing the interests of US President Donald Trump and failing to oppose American demands. Rezaei stated, "Pakistan is a good friend and neighbor, but it is not a suitable intermediary for negotiations and lacks the necessary credibility for mediation. They always take Trump's interests into account and do not say a word against the Americans' wishes," in a post on X.
He further elaborated that Pakistan has not been forthcoming about the US's failure to uphold its commitments regarding Lebanon and blocked assets, emphasizing that a true mediator should remain neutral rather than favor one side.
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Rezaei's comments followed the absence of the Iranian delegation in the second round of negotiations. Nevertheless, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi made a visit to Islamabad on Saturday morning, marking his second trip to Pakistan within three days. During this visit, he met with Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir to discuss the regional situation and also conferred with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before traveling to Oman and Russia.
The peace talks have lost traction, especially after Washington canceled the second round of discussions with Iran in Pakistan. In a recent interview with a media outlet, Trump indicated that Iran could reach out to the US if they wished to engage in dialogue.
Iran is insisting that the US lift its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for 20 percent of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Additionally, Tehran has rejected Trump's assertions that it is willing to sell enriched uranium to the US.