Islamabad: Pakistan made headlines when it helped create the diplomatic opening between Washington and Tehran. As the US and Iran take tougher positions over the Strait of Hormuz, questions arise about whether Pakistan can still play the role of mediator. Talks on future management of the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman are ongoing, but negotiations between the US and Iran remain stalled.

According to Deutsche Welle, Pakistan has been trying to bring both sides back to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a 14-point interim peace deal aimed at ending the war which began with the US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. The memorandum was seen as a significant step toward peace, but its effectiveness is now in question due to the increased tensions and lack of direct negotiations between the US and Iran.

Amid the US-Iran war, Pakistan signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. This new alliance has raised concerns about whether it could be counterproductive to Pakistan's diplomatic efforts. The alliance might be seen as taking sides, potentially undermining Pakistan's neutral stance as a mediator.

At this stage, the significance of Pakistan's contribution as a mediator is uncertain. With both the US and Iran holding firm positions, the effectiveness of Pakistan's mediation efforts will depend on its ability to maintain neutrality and foster dialogue between the conflicting parties. The international community watches closely as Pakistan navigates its complex diplomatic role in the region.