As diplomatic efforts continue to achieve progress between the United States and Iran, a senior Iranian parliamentarian has questioned Pakistan’s suitability as a neutral mediator. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s national security and foreign policy commission, argued that Islamabad may be too closely aligned with Washington to play an impartial role.

In a post on X, the representative from Dashtestan stated that while Pakistan is a friendly neighbour, it is not an appropriate choice for mediation and lacks the required credibility. He further claimed that Pakistani officials tend to consider US interests in their approach and rarely oppose American positions, suggesting a reluctance to challenge Washington diplomatically.

Rezaei also criticized earlier mediation efforts, alleging that key US commitments—such as those related to Lebanon and frozen assets—were not adequately highlighted by intermediaries. He stressed that a genuine mediator must remain neutral rather than appear biased toward one side. These remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic activity led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who recently visited Islamabad and met senior Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, to discuss possible ways forward in regional tensions.

Prior to the Pakistan visit, Araghchi held talks in Oman with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, focusing on maritime security and broader diplomatic arrangements. Reports suggest discussions have expanded beyond nuclear issues to include proposals for a new legal framework for the Strait, compensation demands, security guarantees, and easing of US naval constraints.

Araghchi has since travelled to Moscow for further discussions, even as negotiations appear to be losing momentum following shifts in Washington’s stance. Former US President Donald Trump reportedly signalled that Iran could initiate contact if it wished to resume talks, after a planned US delegation visit to Pakistan was cancelled. Despite setbacks, there are indications of renewed diplomatic activity. Tehran is said to have submitted a new proposal to Washington aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities, while also suggesting that nuclear negotiations be deferred to a later stage of the peace process.