WASHINGTON: While military tensions keep rising between the United States and Iran, Pakistan has quietly stepped forward. It is now one of the few countries still trying to keep talks alive.
By late Monday, attention in Washington had turned toward the possibility of American ground operations inside Iran. This came after President Donald Trump told the Financial Times that he was interested in “taking the oil” in Iran. Many here interpreted these comments as a reference to seizing Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal.
Moreover, Trump also claimed that Iran had agreed to most of a 15-point US proposal passed through intermediaries. At the same time, reports say the Pentagon is preparing for possible weeks-long ground operations. Thousands of US soldiers and Marines are moving into the Middle East. Special Operations forces have already been deployed to the region.
Iran has responded with strong warnings. The speaker of Iran’s parliament said Iranian forces were ready to “set American troops on fire” if they set foot on the ground.
Pakistan Steps In to Push for Dialogue
Even as military plans move forward, Pakistan is actively working on the diplomatic side. On Sunday, Islamabad hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey. The meeting focused on ways to reduce tensions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke directly with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He urged restraint and a return to talks.
Pakistani officials have openly offered to host or facilitate direct or indirect talks between the US and Iran.
Moreover, this effort has caught the attention of Washington’s policy experts. Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center called Pakistan’s role “the most promising development so far.” He was referring to efforts to end the conflict. He noted that Pakistan has working relations with both Washington and Tehran.
Lisa Curtis, a former senior US National Security Council official, said that if Pakistan succeeds, it would greatly improve its standing with the United States.
For now, Islamabad has chosen the difficult path of diplomacy. This comes at a time when many expect the situation to get worse. Whether this effort leads anywhere will depend on decisions made in Washington and Tehran in the coming days.
