Pakistan emerges as key player in global crisis management

Middle Eastern outlets describe Pakistan as walking a delicate line, engaging Iran, the United States, Saudi Arabia and other regional states at the same time. This block highlights that Iran’s leadership has welcomed Pakistan’s role, while Tehran continues to accuse Washington of planning ground operations. Commentators here see Pakistan’s talks and Hormuz proposals as part of a wider regional effort to reduce the risk of a wider war and protect Gulf shipping.

• •Pakistan is coordinating with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt while preparing to host US-Iran talks.
• •Iranian leaders publicly praise Pakistan’s mediation even as they accuse the United States of planning ground assaults.
• •Regional governments view Pakistan’s Hormuz security proposals as a way to keep Gulf shipping lanes open during the conflict.
• •Islamabad’s easing of trade rules with Iran is seen as a confidence-building step toward Tehran.
• •Pakistan’s leaders present their role as serving Muslim-majority countries’ interests while keeping ties with Washington.