US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, has voiced strong reservations about Pakistan's potential role as a mediator in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Graham stated that Islamabad's involvement would be 'more than problematic,' pointing to its 'long-standing' animosity towards Israel.
Pakistan's Stance on Abraham Accords Questioned
Graham's comments came in the wake of Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's rejection of a proposal by Donald Trump for Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords. The Accords are a series of normalization agreements between Israel and various Arab nations. Graham highlighted a year-old clip of Asif's statements, asserting that the sentiment against Israel remains fresh and problematic for any mediation efforts.
The Senator further alleged that Iranian military aircraft are being housed on Pakistani air bases, and he cited past 'disturbing' statements from high-ranking Pakistani officials against Israel as reasons for his concern regarding Pakistan's neutrality as a mediator.
Iran War Talks and Proposed Deal
Meanwhile, Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with his Cabinet to discuss the fluctuating talks aimed at ending the war with Iran. Days prior, Trump had indicated that Washington and Tehran had 'largely negotiated' a settlement. A potential deal could lead to the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
The emerging agreement, however, has drawn criticism from some Trump supporters, who express concerns about midterm political implications, costs, and fuel prices. Under the proposed terms, Iran would reportedly surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief. Officials suggest some uranium would be diluted, with the remainder sent to a third country within 60 days. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms enriched to 60 percent purity.
Recent Escalations and Unresolved Issues
The complexity of the negotiations intensified after the United States conducted what the Pentagon termed 'defensive' strikes in southern Iran. Iran swiftly condemned these actions as a sign of 'bad faith and unreliability.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and extending the ceasefire would require several more days.
Further questions persist regarding whether any ceasefire agreement would encompass Israel's ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is 'deepening its operation' in the region. Trump had also previously suggested that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan should all join the Abraham Accords, a proposition that was reportedly met with 'stunned silence' by US Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf, although this account has been disputed.