US-Iran War: Has The War Given Pakistan A Diplomatic 'Lifeline' In The Middle East? Pakistan has emerged as a pivotal mediator in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, leveraging its strategic position to broker a 14-day ceasefire between the two warring nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's announcement of the truce, coupled with his invitation for US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations, marks a significant diplomatic milestone for the country. This move has been hailed as a redemption for Pakistan, which had faced a major fallout with its Gulf patrons a decade ago during the 2015 Yemen conflict. The ceasefire, announced on Wednesday, comes amid heightened tensions following President Trump's warning that "an entire civilization will die tonight" if the conflict escalated. Pakistan's role in facilitating this truce has drawn praise from both Tehran and Washington. Trump credited Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts, while Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed gratitude for Pakistan's tireless mediation. The gesture has also earned endorsements from China, Turkey, and Egypt, underscoring Pakistan's growing influence in regional diplomacy. The 2015 Yemen conflict serves as a critical backdrop to Pakistan's current diplomatic resurgence. At the time, Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, intervened militarily to support the internationally recognized government against Iran-backed Houthis. Pakistan, which had previously provided military and policing services to Gulf monarchies in exchange for financial aid, hesitated to commit. Domestic opposition and fears of sectarian divisions within Pakistan constrained the then-government of Nawaz Sharif, who had strong ties to Saudi Arabia through marriage and political asylum.#pakistan #trump #abbas_araghchi #shehbaz_sharif #asim_munir
