Trump supports Pakistan as potential mediator for Iran negotiations

US President Reiterates Support for Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts

In remarks on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump expressed his continued support for Pakistan’s role in facilitating diplomacy between Iran and the United States. The comments came after Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of the president, questioned Pakistan’s credibility as a mediator.

Trump praised Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir for their efforts in negotiating a ceasefire agreement with Iran that took effect last month. He stated that he has not reconsidered his decision to involve Pakistan in mediating between the two countries.

Earlier, Graham had expressed concerns about a CBS News report suggesting that Pakistan was allowing Iranian military assets to be stationed on its airfields. Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth and top US General Dan Caine declined to comment on the report, citing the sensitive nature of the talks with Iran.

Graham questioned whether it would be consistent for Pakistan to act as a mediator if the report is confirmed. He stated that he does not trust Pakistan and suggested that alternative mediators might be needed. Graham has been a vocal critic of Iran’s government and has advocated for regime change in the country.

Pakistan has been actively pursuing revived diplomacy between Iran and the US, following the April 8 ceasefire agreement. The US president had announced plans to send envoys to Pakistan to meet with Iranian officials, but ultimately called off the trip after Iran requested the lifting of a naval blockade against its ports as a condition for resuming talks.

The developments come as tensions between Iran and the US remain high, with Tehran’s latest proposal to end the conflict deemed “unacceptable” by Trump.

Source: Al Jazeera