Israel Questions Pakistan's Role in Mediation Amid Ceasefire Talks

Israel's Stance on Pakistan's Mediation Role

Reuven Azar, Israel's Ambassador to India, expressed skepticism regarding Pakistan's credibility as a mediator. His comments came as Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran reached a tentative two-week ceasefire agreement. US and Iranian officials are set to engage in discussions starting Friday to explore a long-term resolution. However, the ceasefire's stability is uncertain, particularly after Iran's recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

Azar remarked, "We don't view Pakistan as a credible player. The United States appears to be utilizing Pakistan's facilitation for its own strategic reasons." He noted that the US has previously engaged with contentious states like Qatar and Turkey to broker agreements with Hamas, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the US on desired outcomes.

Following the ceasefire announcement, both the US and Iran claimed success, and global leaders expressed relief. Nonetheless, subsequent drone and missile strikes targeted Iran and Gulf nations, leading to Iran's renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A report from a financial publication indicated that the White House urged Pakistan to mediate a temporary ceasefire with Iran, driven by rising oil prices. The Trump administration had been pressuring Islamabad to persuade Tehran to pause hostilities, which would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. Concerns over escalating oil prices and the resilience of the Iranian regime prompted Trump to seek a ceasefire, particularly following his earlier threats to dismantle Iran’s power infrastructure.