French Media: Pakistan Pushes for Indirect U.S.-Iran Dialogue to Enhance Its Geopolitical Standing
A news report published on the website of *Libération* focuses on Asia, highlighting how Pakistan is attempting to act as a mediator amid the Iran conflict, aiming to prevent regional instability, safeguard its own security, and elevate its international status.
Iranian Conflict: Why Is Pakistan Acting as an Intermediary Between Washington and Tehran?
In the context of the Iran conflict, Pakistan is leveraging its relationships with both the United States, Iran, and Saudi Arabia to serve as a key facilitator, helping de-escalate tensions and enhancing its own geopolitical influence.
The *Libération* report notes that Pakistan is relaying messages between Washington and Tehran, promoting indirect dialogue in an effort to cool down the current crisis. The country clearly has strong incentives to help resolve the Middle East war. Four weeks after the outbreak of hostilities, Islamabad has positioned itself as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran, engaging frequently with officials from both sides. Its proactive involvement stems not only from vulnerability to regional instability but also from a desire to enhance its geopolitical standing.
Longstanding Ties with Iran
On one hand, Pakistan seeks to prevent Tehran from suffering excessive consequences. Although Islamabad is not an ally of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the two share a border stretching over 900 kilometers and have maintained long-term ties. Pakistan hosts one of the largest Shia populations outside Iran, accounting for about 20% of its population. At the beginning of the conflict, this community reaffirmed its support for Iran. After the reported killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, they launched intense anti-American protests. Additionally, Pakistan represents Iranian diplomatic interests in Washington, as Tehran does not have an embassy there.
More broadly, escalating tensions in the Middle East and Gulf region would come at a significant cost to Pakistan. The country has a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and fears that an expanded conflict could draw it into war.
Closely Linked to Trump
Pakistan also relies on its relationship with the United States, particularly the close ties between its military leadership—especially General Asim Munir—and Donald Trump in recent years.
Thus, Islamabad is carefully navigating a delicate diplomatic tightrope between the U.S., Iran, and Saudi Arabia. If the negotiations driven by Pakistan succeed within the coming weeks, the country could achieve a level of geopolitical influence unprecedented since the 1970s—when, through Pakistan’s mediation, U.S. President Nixon’s historic visit to China became a pivotal milestone in restoring Sino-U.S. relations.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862012816618634/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.