Islamabad has emerged as a critical diplomatic mediator in the Middle East, recently facilitating the transfer of 22 Iranian sailors following the US seizure of the container ship Tosca, according to France24.
The diplomatic move occurred shortly after Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held talks with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran. The Pakistani foreign ministry announced the facilitation of the sailors' transfer via X, stating that the country "welcomes such confidence-building measures and will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy."
This mediation follows the announcement of "Project Freedom" by US President Donald Trump. The initiative aims to have the US military guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz to protect vessels not involved in Middle East conflicts. Trump described the project as a "humanitarian gesture" intended to free up companies and countries not involved in current regional hostilities.
Expanding security role in the Gulf
Pakistan's growing influence coincides with a shift in security dynamics within the Gulf. While the US continues its military operations, Islamabad is leveraging its strategic location and military capabilities to deepen ties with Gulf monarchies.
On April 11, Pakistani military aircraft, including fighter and support jets, landed at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Air Base. The Saudi defence ministry confirmed the deployment was conducted under the terms of a mutual defence pact.
This military cooperation follows high-level diplomatic engagements, such as negotiations between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials held in an Islamabad hotel. The outlet reported that Pakistan's role is being shaped by its arsenal of combat-tested Chinese weapons and the high-wire diplomacy of Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Recent diplomatic shifts have also seen praise for Pakistani leadership from US officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has previously shared messages thanking Pakistan and its military leadership, as reported by France24.
