Two Republican United States senators have publicly highlighted the histories of Qatar and Pakistan in harbouring terrorists, pushing back against Vice President JD Vance's recent remarks expressing affection for Pakistan. The comments come as Vance participates in negotiations with Pakistani and Qatari leaders over a potential peace deal with Iran.
Senator Rick Scott Criticizes Pakistan and Qatar
Senator Rick Scott of Florida posted on X on Monday that it should be clear to everyone who America's true friends are. "Qatar and Pakistan have long histories of harbouring terrorists, and right now they seem far more invested in propping up Iran's decades-long terror campaign than achieving a meaningful peace," Scott wrote. His statement directly countered Vance's "we love Pakistan" comment made in Switzerland, where Vance joined Pakistani and Qatari officials to negotiate technical details of a nuclear agreement with Iran.
Scott acknowledged that there is still room for a workable agreement that benefits everyone. However, he emphasized that there is zero chance Iran will be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon under any deal.
Senator Tim Sheehy Recalls bin Laden's Shelter in Pakistan
Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana, speaking on Fox News, specifically recalled Pakistan's role in sheltering al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. "Pakistan, let's not forget, Pakistan hid bin Laden for a decade. They funded Ayatollah through ISI insurances," Sheehy stated. He argued that if Pakistan and Qatar are at the negotiating table, the United States should also include the UAE, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, whom he described as America's real allies in the Middle East.
Sheehy further alleged that Qatar has been laundering money for terrorist organizations for decades. "The Pakistanis through the ISI funded insurgencies against us and hid bin Laden. So to assume they're going to be objective middlemen here, I don't think is accurate," he said. The Montana senator, a former US Navy SEAL, insisted that the US must stand unequivocally with the UAE and Israel, as they will be the vanguard in the region regardless of circumstances.
Vance's Praise for Pakistani Army Chief
On a lighter note, Vice President Vance on Sunday expressed admiration for Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, calling him one of his two favorite people. "I will say that since Field Marshal Munir welcomed us with the Prime Minister in Islamabad, I have joked that I have two very, very important people in my life -- an Indian and a Pakistani. The Indian is my wife, and the Pakistani is Field Marshal Munir," Vance said. He added that over the past three months, he had spoken with Munir more than anyone else.
Context of Iran Nuclear Deal Talks
The senators' remarks come amid ongoing negotiations in Switzerland, where Vance, along with leaders from Pakistan and Qatar, has been working on technical aspects of a peace deal with Iran. The discussions aim to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but the involvement of Pakistan and Qatar has raised concerns among some US lawmakers about their historical ties to terrorism.
