Amid ongoing efforts to secure a deal between the United States and Iran, an Iranian lawmaker on Sunday expressed serious reservations about Pakistan's suitability as a mediator, alleging that Islamabad consistently aligns with US President Donald Trump's interests and refrains from opposing American demands.
Iranian MP's Allegations
In a post on X, Ebrahim Rezaei, the representative for Dashtestan and spokesperson for Iran's national security and foreign policy commission, emphasized that a mediator must remain impartial and avoid taking sides. "Pakistan is a good friend and neighbor of ours, but it is not a suitable mediator for negotiations and lacks the necessary credibility. They always take Trump's interests into account and do not speak against the Americans' wishes. For example, they are unwilling to tell the world that America first accepted Pakistan's proposal but then went back on its word," Rezaei stated.
He further added, "They do not say that the Americans had commitments regarding Lebanon or blocked assets but failed to honor them. A mediator must be impartial, not always leaning to one side."
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
These remarks come as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made frequent visits to Islamabad to sustain negotiations amid uncertainty. Araghchi recently met with Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir to discuss the conflict and possible pathways forward. Earlier, he had met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials before arriving from Oman, where he held talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on Hormuz security and broader diplomacy.
Scope of Discussions
Reports indicate that discussions have extended beyond the nuclear issue, encompassing a new legal framework for the Strait of Hormuz, compensation, security guarantees, and the lifting of US maritime restrictions. After his visit to Islamabad, Araghchi is scheduled to travel to Moscow.
Meanwhile, as momentum wanes, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran can initiate contact if it desires negotiations, following Washington's cancellation of planned talks in Pakistan.
