“Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre border in its southwest with Iran, and also deep historical, cultural and religious links.”

“Iran was the first country to recognise Pakistan after its independence in 1947. Pakistan returned the favour for the Islamic Republic after the 1979 revolution.”

“They cooperated against Moscow during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.”

“Cross-border militant activity in the Balochistan region is a concern for both.”

“But Pakistan also represents some Iranian diplomatic interests in Washington, where Tehran has no embassy.”

“And it is home to the world’s second-biggest Shia Muslim population after Iran.”

“Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has built up a personal rapport with US President Donald Trump and spoke to him last Sunday.”

“Munir - in a Western business suit rather than army fatigues - visited Washington with Sharif last year after a flare-up in hostilities between Pakistan and India in divided Kashmir.”

“Sharif praised Trump’s 'bold and visionary' intervention, while Munir said the US leader deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping an escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.”

“On Iran, Trump said Pakistan knows the country 'better than most' and this week shared Sharif’s X post that Pakistan was 'ready' to host talks to end the conflict.”

“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a strategic mutual defence agreement in 2025, cementing longstanding ties but also restricting how far Islamabad can go in supporting Tehran.”

“Sharif and his government have been quick to keep Riyadh on side, and the prime minister recently visited for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

“If Pakistan were seen as aligning itself against Iran, that would risk angering the country’s Shia population, who have already held deadly protests against Khamenei’s death.”

“Neutrality makes economic sense for Pakistan, which relies on oil and gas imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Continued disruption could worsen fuel supplies, drive up prices and force further austerity measures.”

“Pakistan, being located right on the war’s doorstep, clearly would prefer to take steps meant to help end the war, and not get dragged into it.”

“Pakistan is far from being an unlikely US-Iran mediator. Many high-level Pak-Iran meetings over last year. The US admin very fond of Pak. Trump has said Munir knows Iran better than most. Also worth noting that Pakistan represents Iran’s diplomatic interests in the US.”

“An end to the conflict would not only boost regional stability and security but also Pakistan’s international standing.”