politics
March 29, 2026
Israeli strikes and US troop buildup put Pakistan’s peacemaker role under pressure
Islamabad is attempting high-wire diplomacy between US and Iran, but Israel could spoil any chance of success
TL;DR
- Pakistan is trying to host peace talks between the US and Iran, acting as a neutral mediator.
- Escalating Israeli bombing of Iranian civilian targets and a US troop buildup in the Gulf threaten Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.
- Pakistan's de facto leader, Asim Munir, has good relations with the US, and ties with Iran have improved.
- Both US and Iran have shown willingness in principle to talk, but trust is low and stated positions are far apart.
- Pakistan sees Israel as the main threat to successful talks, citing recent attacks on steel plants and nuclear sites.
- Iran's core concern is ending the war and ensuring no future attacks from the US and Israel.
- Disagreements persist on key issues like Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is intensifying diplomatic efforts, with foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia set to meet in Islamabad.
- A new alignment of Muslim countries (Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan) is emerging but Saudi Arabia privately wants bombardment to continue.
- Talks are expected to be indirect, with Pakistani officials shuttling between delegations.
- Iran distrusts past US interlocutors and suspects a US troop buildup signals a lack of genuine peace intentions.
- Pakistan is motivated by a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, which could draw it into conflict, and its own long border with Iran.
- The US Vice President JD Vance has been proposed as a representative, as Iran does not trust previous interlocutors like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
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