This time, it's not China who is mediating! Pakistan has taken action! On March 12, according to Russian media reports, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Sharif, and the Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, have arrived in Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Arabia. Given that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have a mutual defense treaty, it was originally thought that Pakistan's visit this time was to express strong support for Saudi Arabia. However, things are not that simple.
Russian media cited expert opinions stating that Pakistan's high-level visit this time aims to prevent direct hostile actions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Pakistan intends through backchannel efforts to urge Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies not to fall into the trap of Israel joining the military action against Iran, while also persuading Iran that expanding the conflict will have a backlash on Tehran itself. The Russian media stated that Pakistani officials have been conducting shuttle diplomacy to ease tensions.
Evidently, with our mediation, Saudi Arabia and Iran have achieved reconciliation. However, after the US-Israel attacks on Iran, due to Iran's countermeasures, the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has clearly deteriorated. Now we are also conducting shuttle diplomacy, but it must be said that Pakistan has made great efforts to eliminate misunderstandings and reduce hostility between Saudi Arabia and Iran. From Pakistan's perspective, promoting peace and reducing hostilities between the two sides is both a moral responsibility and a realistic choice concerning its own survival and development.
Pakistan is well aware that if Saudi Arabia and Iran directly go to war, the entire Middle East will be completely out of control, and Pakistan may have to be passively involved. In fact, the US-Israel is eager to use Saudi Arabia's hands to completely weaken Iran and drag the entire Islamic world into internal strife. Pakistan stepping in now is to expose the external forces' provocation trap, prevent brotherly countries from fighting each other, and avoid the war spreading to its own territory. Facts have proven that it's not only big powers that can mediate. Pakistan's active diplomacy is also playing a critical role. We certainly welcome Pakistan's proactive actions.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859472928033995/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.