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

Pakistan is expanding its Middle East influence, deepening ties with Syria, preparing talks with Iran, and positioning itself as a potential mediator between Tehran and Washington, according to an analysis by The Jerusalem Post. The country's Army Chief is expected to visit Tehran, while Syria's foreign minister made a historic visit to Islamabad, highlighting Pakistan's growing diplomatic role.

Pakistan is increasingly positioning itself as a key diplomatic player in the Middle East. Over the past week, Islamabad has deepened strategic ties with Syria, prepared for high-level talks with Iran, and continued its role as a potential mediator between Tehran and Washington. Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is expected to travel to Tehran as part of Islamabad's effort to promote regional stability. The visit follows a telephone conversation between Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistan has emerged as one of the countries capable of maintaining dialogue with both the US and Iran, a role that may become more important as Washington increases economic pressure on Tehran. US President Donald Trump recently announced economic warfare against Iran, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promised tough sanctions. Iran has responded with new threats, with Mohsen Rezai, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warning neighboring countries against cooperating with the new American sanctions campaign. Rezai stated that if the economic blockade continued, Iran would prevent Gulf oil exports from leaving the region. Separately, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani concluded the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan in 19 years, discussing expanding cooperation in politics, security, trade, aviation, and investment. Syrian officials emphasized that Pakistan now sits alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey as one of Syria's strategic partners. The analysis notes that Pakistan must balance its relationships carefully, as the Trump administration wants to see results that can help wind down the conflict.