After the failure of the first round of U.S.-Iran negotiations held in Islamabad on April 12, sensitive intelligence reports emerged as the Iranian delegation was returning, suggesting that Israel had planned to target the aircraft carrying the Iranian officials. This situation was extremely alarming for Pakistan. In response to Israeli threat, Pakistan decided to escort the Iranian delegation safely back to Iran under the protection of its air force. 24 J-10C fighter jets, along with an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), were deployed to monitor and secure the flight. The AWACS aircraft has the capability to detect enemy threats from hundreds of kilometers away. When Israel learned that Pakistani fighter jets were escorting the Iranian delegation, it did not dare to execute its alleged plan. Pakistan successfully ensured the safe arrival of the Iranian delegation at a secure location in Iran. The Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post also reported on the alleged plan, stating that Pakistan’s timely action thwarted it. This marked first time in Pakistan’s history that its air force provided a protective escort to a foreign delegation. Had the enemy succeeded, Pakistan could have faced global embarrassment and criticism for failing to protect foreign guests invited to its soil. It is to be noted that members of the Iranian delegation engaged in negotiations with the United States including Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were on Israel’s strike list. The alleged aim of this plot was to eliminate Iranian leadership figures, thereby preventing future U.S.-Iran negotiations and undermining global trust in Pakistan.
Recently, former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris claimed that Israel had long been urging previous American presidents to attack Iran, but they did not comply. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu succeeded in convincing U.S. President Donald Trump that a joint U.S.-Israel attack would trigger public uprisings in Iran, leading to regime change. After the attack, Trump realized he had been misled by Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s political and military leadership Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir played a role in persuading Trump toward a ceasefire. Trump later acknowledged their efforts in a tweet, expressing gratitude for their contributions to global peace. In the evolving situation, Israel now considers Pakistan and its leadership particularly Field Marshal Asim Munir as key enemies. Pakistan’s successful escort of the Iranian delegation and Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to Iran are seen as significant developments. During his visit, he met Iran’s president, army chief, and the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guards an unprecedented and bold move.
As the world now focuses on the second round of negotiations in Islamabad and the possibility of a peace agreement, tensions remain high. Israel and allied forces are allegedly attempting to sabotage the talks. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade on Iranian ports, the reported seizure of an Iranian vessel coming from China, and Iran’s renewed threat to close the Strait of Hormuz have created further obstacles. In this situation, Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic efforts. Field Marshal Asim Munir’s call to the U.S. president and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s conversation with the Iranian president urging restraint and flexibility have helped pave the way for dialogue. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is also expected to visit Islamabad anytime, and there is hope that a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran may be reached.
At this critical juncture, all parties bear the responsibility to demonstrate patience, wisdom, foresight, and flexibility. Islamabad negotiations are not merely a diplomatic event but a test of global leadership’s commitment to peace. If this opportunity is missed, the consequences will affect not just the region but the entire world.
