Arabic version: ترامب يؤكد دور باكستان في جهود الوساطة بين الولايات المتحدة وإيران

Donald Trump has reasserted his support for Pakistan to serve as a mediator between Iran and the United States after Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of the US president, disparaged Islamabad’s diplomacy. In remarks on Tuesday, Trump lauded Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and its army chief Asim Munir, who helped negotiate a fragile ceasefire in Iran that came into effect last month.

According to Al Jazeera, Trump expressed confidence in Pakistan’s diplomatic capabilities, stating, “They’re great. I think the Pakistanis have been great. The field marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great.” He confirmed that he is not reconsidering Pakistan’s role in the mediation process.

This declaration comes shortly after Graham raised concerns regarding a CBS News report suggesting that Pakistan is permitting Iran to station military assets on its airfields. Graham questioned the integrity of Pakistan’s mediation if these claims were true, stating, “I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them.” He emphasized the need for a different mediator if the report is confirmed.

The senator, known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy and advocacy for regime change in Iran, has been a significant influence in Trump’s decision-making. Recently, he has cautioned the president against making concessions to Tehran. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to seek a revival of stalled diplomatic discussions between the US and Iran, following the ceasefire agreement reached on April 8.