Islamabad, April 15 (NationPress) Pakistan's self-proclaimed role as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict exposes significant inconsistencies and geopolitical interests. A true mediator must remain neutral and gain acceptance from all parties involved. However, Pakistan's approach to mediation in the West Asian conflict diverges from these essential principles, as detailed in a recent report.

Notably, Israel was excluded from this mediation effort, despite being a key player in the conflict. Pakistan has not only refused to recognize Israel as a legitimate state but has labeled it an "illegal entity." The backlash faced by Pakistan's Defence Minister after he posted anti-Israel sentiments on X further illustrates this point, as noted by Manoj Kumar Panigrahi, an Associate Professor at Jindal School of International Affairs, in Global Order.

Before mediation began, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed that Jerusalem does not consider Islamabad a "credible participant" and indicated that the United States opted to enlist Pakistan's mediation "for its own interests." Such contradictions can lead to confusion and potentially derail the mediation process, especially when one of the conflicting parties does not recognize the mediator.

Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding Pakistan's credibility and its position as a "natural" mediator, given its alliance with Saudi Arabia. The two nations signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in 2025, pledging mutual support in the event of military aggression. With Saudi Arabia recently facing missile assaults from Iran, ambiguity surrounds whether Pakistan will assist Tehran.

Additionally, the report emphasizes that Pakistan appears to seek benefits from its role in the mediation process. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has overshadowed tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and Islamabad's involvement has garnered US support against Afghanistan.

Finally, according to the report from Global Order, Pakistan aims to convey a narrative that it has contributed positively to global stability by facilitating mediation in the West Asian conflict and ensuring the seamless flow of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, this claim contradicts itself. The willingness to even engage in dialogue can be seen as a primary "saturation" between the United States and Iran. Pakistan’s portrayal as a "Peace Messiah" has often faltered, as it frequently tries to mask its position behind the nuclear threat, as noted by Panigrahi.