After three and a half months of war between United States, Israel, and Iran, and a temporary ceasefire during that period, the world finally received long-awaited news of signing US Iran agreement at the summit in France where U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian digitally signed in Tehran, while Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acted as mediator and endorsed the agreement. Later, formal negotiations between US and Iran began in Switzerland. The meeting held at Burgenstock Resort was attended by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. After the meeting, a joint statement announced agreement on a 60-day roadmap to reach a final deal and the establishment of a high-level committee to facilitate political and technical negotiations. During the talks, it was agreed to ensure safe commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, establish a special communication hotline to avoid misunderstandings or incidents, ease sanctions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical exports, lift blockades and release frozen assets.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the first round of talks between US and Iran under the Islamabad memorandum was successfully completed in a positive and constructive atmosphere in Switzerland. During the meeting, Iranian Parliament Speaker Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi avoided shaking hands or taking photographs with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. The Iranian public considers American leadership responsible for the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and more than 160 innocent girls killed in U.S. bombings. Iranian leaders feared that if they shook hands with U.S. Vice President after the Swiss meeting, they would face strong backlash upon returning home.
The America-Iran agreement has been widely welcomed around the world, and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are being praised. The UN Secretary-General and global leaders have appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role; however, Israel is unhappy with the development. Israel tried until the last moment to prevent the agreement. After the recent progress in Switzerland, Israeli leadership expressed strong dissatisfaction, with the Israeli National Security Minister stating that Trump had betrayed them and made a deal without Israel’s involvement, which they would not abide by. President Trump replied in a tweet that Israel was saved because of him and should be grateful, warning that without the deal Iran could have destroyed Israel within hours if it obtained nuclear weapons. It is worth noting that Israel played a key role in pushing the U.S. toward attacking Iran and was assured of regime change in Iran, but its plans were unsuccessful. The agreement between United States and Iran is not only a bilateral matter but has far-reaching implications for Middle East, the global economy, energy markets, and international politics. It opens new doors for peace, economic development, and diplomatic cooperation in the region. On the other hand, Gulf countries especially Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain will be directly benefitted. While they see opportunities for improved relations with Iran, for their security concerns and they will look towards Pakistan as a country capable of providing security assistance.
In this context, as the world acknowledges Pakistan’s efforts in the America-Iran agreement, Pakistan has emerged as an important global player. The agreement is of exceptional importance for Pakistan. Reduced regional tensions could create economic and trade opportunities, and progress on projects such as the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline may become more likely. The interests of millions of Pakistanis working in Gulf countries are also tied to a stable and peaceful Middle East. If used wisely, this opportunity could help Pakistan emerge as a more stable and influential state both regionally and globally. After US-Iran agreement, it cannot be ruled out that Israel may attempt to sabotage it. On the other hand, U.S. President Donald Trump may pressure Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other Muslim countries to join Abraham Accords with Israel, for which they should be prepared.
Pakistan’s key role in the US-Iran peace agreement is being described as historic diplomacy. When history is written, Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership’s role in mediating between United States and Iran will be remembered in golden words.
Pakistan has achieved what once seemed impossible and what even international institutions could not accomplish. The diplomatic vision and strategy of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have given Pakistan a respected position on the global stage, and for this they should be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize.
