Balancing act: Pakistan walks diplomatic tightrope in US-Iran crisis
Trust and strategic position help Pakistan defuse regional tensions, gain international recognition as peace broker
By Mushfiq Ahmad
KARACHI, Pakistan (MNTV) — Former diplomats and international relations experts agree that despite mounting regional pressures — from fraught ties with India to persistent instability along its Afghan border — Pakistan has navigated a precarious geopolitical tightrope, avoiding direct entanglement while quietly positioning itself as a conduit for dialogue between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Pakistan emerged as a credible and trusted intermediary in one of the most complex crises in the Middle East, former diplomats and international relations experts told MNTV.
Former Ambassador Sanaullah called the developments “a huge diplomatic success for Pakistan,” noting that the country has addressed global, regional, and bilateral concerns while earning recognition as a responsible state, a reputation often overshadowed by narratives promoted by India.
According to Sanaullah, Pakistan’s diplomacy has effectively prevented further escalation in the region, safeguarded Iran from potential destruction, and mitigated missteps by President Donald Trump, and spared the world from unnecessary economic turmoil.
International Relations expert Dr Nausheen Wasi of Karachi University described this as “the finest period of Pakistan’s diplomacy.”
She said, “Pakistan has navigated a highly complex situation which could have dragged the entire world toward catastrophic conflict.”
With a long border shared with Iran, any escalation in the region would have directly affected Pakistan, she said.
A nuclear or large-scale conflict involving Iran could have had disastrous consequences, including radiation risks, social and economic disruption, and a potential influx of refugees, Wasi added.
Combined with tense relations with India and ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, Pakistan found itself in a precarious position. Yet it managed to maintain balance, avoiding entanglement while actively facilitating dialogue, she said.
Dr Wasi highlighted Pakistan’s ability to maintain workable relations with major regional and global players. “Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran, along with its relationships with China, functional engagement with Russia, and stable communications with the United States, uniquely positioned it as a credible intermediary,” she said.
Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, and Turkey, openly welcomed Pakistan’s efforts, while Saudi Arabia quietly supported its initiatives. Even the United States, facing domestic and international pressure, needed a face-saving exit, a role Pakistan could facilitate given the trust it enjoys among regional powers.
Former Ambassador SMG Kiyani emphasized the strategic importance of Pakistan’s position. “Pakistan has historically acted as a trustworthy bridge. In 1971, it facilitated communication between the United States and China when other channels failed. Today, it has again served as a mediator, balancing relationships with Iran, Israel, Gulf countries, and global powers,” he said.
Unlike India, which aligned closely with Israel during rising tensions, Pakistan maintained a principled stance, criticizing aggression where necessary while advocating for peace. Pakistan’s role has extended beyond mediation to safeguarding regional stability, he said. Gulf countries, heavily dependent on foreign investment, could have faced long-term economic setbacks if the conflict had escalated.
By acting as a trusted channel for dialogue, Pakistan prevented potential economic and political fallout, Kiyani said and added that its approach was guided by principle rather than opportunism, highlighting a commitment to regional peace over immediate geopolitical gains.
The conflict, centered on Israel and Iran, has significant global implications. Israel continues to pursue its strategic objectives, seeking to consolidate influence, while Iran has maintained a defensive stance.
The crisis has exposed weaknesses in global governance, including the United Nations’ limited ability to manage such conflicts effectively. European powers, notably France and the United Kingdom, have taken differing stances, with France openly opposing aggressive actions while the UK offered mixed responses.
The United States, facing domestic protests and international criticism, has struggled to maintain legitimacy, signaling a shift in global power dynamics.
Experts note that modern warfare has evolved into a “war of sensors,” relying on advanced electronics, missile systems, and artificial intelligence rather than sheer military strength. This conflict has highlighted the importance of tactical flexibility, interest-based alliances, and strategic mediation, rather than rigid bloc politics. Pakistan’s ability to navigate these complexities underscores its emergence as a key player in shaping regional and global outcomes.
Despite the precarious situation, Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements are tangible. By maintaining confidentiality, exercising restraint, and leveraging trust built over decades, it has facilitated dialogue that could prevent further escalation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire and the involvement of Gulf states demonstrate the impact of Pakistan’s interventions. While challenges remain, including Israel’s reluctance to fully embrace negotiations, Pakistan’s intermediary role has stabilized a volatile environment and showcased its diplomatic maturity.
Professor Wasi summarized the significance of Pakistan’s actions: “This is Pakistan’s finest hour in diplomacy. The country has prevented a regional war, safeguarded its own interests, and established itself as a principled, credible actor on the global stage. This conflict could have spiraled into a Third World War, but Pakistan’s balanced approach has contained damage and offered hope for stability.”
Pakistan’s success lies not only in mediation but also in demonstrating that principled diplomacy, strategic patience, and trust-based engagement can shape global outcomes. By navigating one of the most complex geopolitical crises in recent years, Pakistan has cemented its reputation as a responsible and indispensable actor in the Middle East, signaling a potential new era where diplomacy, rather than aggression, dictates the future of international relations.
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