A fresh controversy has emerged over Pakistan’s role in the recent ceasefire developments between Iran and the United States. According to multiple international reports, Pakistan may not have acted as an independent mediator, but rather as a facilitator working in coordination with Washington.

Allegations from International Reports

Three separate reports have suggested that Pakistan’s involvement in the ceasefire process was guided by the United States:

• A report by Financial Times claims the US used Pakistan as a last-minute channel to convey a ceasefire proposal to Iran. The proposal was reportedly drafted by Washington and relayed through Islamabad due to Pakistan’s geographical proximity and diplomatic access to Tehran.
• The New York Times reported that the White House closely monitored the communication process. It also claimed that official statements issued by Pakistan during the ceasefire efforts were vetted by US authorities before being made public.
• Another report suggests that the proposed Iran–US meeting in Islamabad was also initiated at the request of the United States, with Pakistan playing a strategic role in facilitating dialogue.

China’s Reported Involvement

Reports further indicate that when initial efforts failed, Pakistan reached out to China to help persuade Iran. China’s diplomatic intervention is believed to have played a role in bringing Iran closer to accepting the ceasefire proposal.

High-Level Meeting in Islamabad

Amid these developments, a significant meeting between Iranian and US representatives is reportedly scheduled to take place in Islamabad. The US is expected to be represented by Vice President JD Vance, while Iran may be represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

If held, this would mark a rare instance of Pakistan hosting high-level talks involving the United States and Iran, highlighting its growing geopolitical relevance in the region.

Questions Over Neutrality

The reports have raised questions about Pakistan’s neutrality in the process. While it has traditionally maintained ties with both Washington and Tehran, the latest claims suggest a more aligned role with US interests.

Iran has not issued an official statement directly addressing these allegations. However, its Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indirectly criticised the United States over ceasefire-related developments, indicating underlying tensions.