Islamabad: The deepening ties between Pakistan and the United States have raised questions about Tehran’s diplomatic stance, especially after former US President Donald Trump announced initiatives to develop Pakistan’s oil reserves and expand the US presence near the Iranian border. This development has prompted discussions about the implications for Iran’s relations with its neighbor, Pakistan.
According to Deutsche Welle, Muhammad Shoaib, an international affairs expert and Assistant Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, remarked on the historical context of the US-Pakistan relationship. He highlighted its evolution through alliances during the Cold War and the War on Terror, as well as tensions stemming from Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and relations with militant groups. Despite the recent closeness between the US and Pakistan, Iran remains largely unconcerned, having witnessed such diplomatic dynamics before.
Iran is actively seeking to enhance its ties with Pakistan, especially given the increasing likelihood of military action from Israel or the US. Aman from the Middle East Institute noted that Iran anticipates Pakistan’s continued support for its peaceful civilian nuclear program. Pakistan finds itself balancing a strategic relationship with the US while maintaining its support for Iran, navigating a diplomatically complex landscape.
Muhammad Shoaib emphasized Pakistan’s historical role as a mediator between Iran and the US, asserting that Pakistan supports Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program but does not endorse nuclear weapon development. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran during a meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reinforcing Islamabad’s commitment to regional stability.
Despite the potential for cooperation, US sanctions on Tehran remain a significant barrier to Pakistan-Iran trade. Shoaib highlighted that Islamabad has avoided formal trade with Iran due to these sanctions, including the stalled Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. Trade law expert Malik suggested that easing tensions between Tehran and Washington could help alleviate US sanctions, facilitating more comprehensive trade relations.
Analyst Aman pointed out that the gas pipeline project is unlikely to progress under current conditions, as Pakistan is wary of risking secondary sanctions or further straining its relationship with Washington. The future of Iran-Pakistan relations remains contingent on diplomatic maneuvering and potential shifts in US foreign policy.