Pakistan’s rise as a regional mediator could reshape Middle East diplomacy – analysis

Pakistan is emerging as a key diplomatic player in the Middle East, deepening strategic ties with Syria, preparing for high-level talks with Iran, and mediating between Tehran and Washington. This comes as the Middle East remains in transition following a US and Israeli military campaign against Iran.

• Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is expected to visit Tehran to strengthen cooperation and promote "regional stability," according to Iran's Foreign Ministry.
• Pakistan previously helped mediate between Iran and the United States after earlier fighting, contributing to a memorandum of understanding.
• Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani recently visited Pakistan, marking the first such visit in 19 years, to discuss expanding cooperation in politics, security, trade, aviation, and investment.
• Iran's Mohsen Rezai warned that if economic sanctions continue, Iran would prevent Gulf oil exports, stating, "If the blockade continues, we will not allow a single drop of Persian Gulf oil to leave via any route."

Pakistan's expanding role presents opportunities for the US, given Islamabad's ability to communicate with various regional actors, but balancing these relationships will be challenging if US-Iran tensions escalate.