Islamabad: Pakistan made headlines when it helped create the diplomatic opening between Washington and Tehran. As the US and Iran take tougher positions over the Strait of Hormuz, the question arises: Can Pakistan still play the role of mediator? Talks on future management of the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman are ongoing, but negotiations between the US and Iran remain stalled.

According to Deutsche Welle, Pakistan has been trying to bring both sides back to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a 14-point interim peace deal aimed at ending the war that began with the US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. The memorandum was initially seen as a significant step toward peace, but its effectiveness is now in question as the conflict continues.

Amid the US-Iran war, Pakistan signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, raising concerns about whether this new alliance is counterproductive to Pakistan's diplomatic efforts. The defense pact has sparked discussions about the potential impact on Pakistan's role as a neutral mediator, as its alliances could be perceived as biased by the involved parties.

At this stage, the extent to which Pakistan's contribution as a mediator remains meaningful is uncertain. The ongoing tensions and the complexity of the geopolitical landscape make it challenging for any single nation to act as a mediator. However, Pakistan's historical involvement and diplomatic initiatives indicate its willingness to continue pursuing peace in the region, despite the obstacles.