Islamabad – June 21, 2025: Pakistan’s strategic mediation efforts may be the only path to defuse rising Iran-U.S. tensions. Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Washington has brought new attention to Islamabad’s diplomatic value. During his official trip, he became the first Pakistani military leader formally received at the White House.
The meeting exceeded its scheduled time and included President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. This rare access highlights how Washington views Pakistan’s regional role as increasingly critical.
Pakistan even nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. It credited him for helping de-escalate India-Pakistan tensions, unlike India which downplays U.S. involvement. This open praise elevated Pakistan’s image and earned goodwill in U.S. circles.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Leverage Grows
With global powers distracted—Russia mired in Ukraine, E3 talks with Iran going nowhere—Pakistan has stepped up. Middle Eastern players, like Egypt, remain silent amid Israeli aggression. In contrast, Pakistan supported Iran’s right to self-defense following the June 13 strikes.
Pakistan’s position remained unique throughout the crisis. It welcomed over 20,000 Iranian pilgrims and refused to isolate Tehran even at a time of heightened regional polarization. Earlier, Pakistan had generously offered to receive 20,000 Iranian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia on a visa-on-arrival basis. However, in a later development, Saudi Arabia itself decided to accommodate the pilgrims. Still, the gesture positioned Pakistan as a rare neutral actor—trusted by both Iran and the West. As regional pressure mounted, Pakistan’s voice began to carry more diplomatic weight, highlighting its growing role in sensitive negotiations.
Trump’s decision to delay direct military involvement for two weeks opens a window for negotiations. That pause may allow Islamabad to push for diplomacy. If it succeeds, the benefits could be historic—not just for Iran-U.S. relations, but also for Pakistan’s future agenda.
This renewed strategic mediation role dismisses claims that Pakistan is irrelevant or isolated. It proves Islamabad’s enduring geopolitical importance—and may even unlock new leverage on Kashmir in future talks.
