Islamabad: Pakistan’s ties with the United States are deepening after former President Donald Trump announced plans to develop Islamabad’s oil reserves and increase the US presence near the border with Iran. This development raises questions about the implications for Iran’s relationship with its neighbor, Pakistan.
According to Deutsche Welle, Muhammad Shoaib, an International affairs expert and Assistant Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, noted the historical context of US-Pakistani relations, which have alternated between alliances and tensions. Despite the growing ties between the US and Pakistan, Shoaib believes Iran is not overly concerned, having witnessed similar dynamics in the past.
The evolving US-Pakistan relationship is complex, highlighted by Pakistan’s recent nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, followed by a swift condemnation of US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. In this context, Iran is seeking to strengthen its ties with Pakistan, especially as threats of military action against Iran by the US or Israel loom larger.
Aman of the Middle East Institute suggests that Iran expects Pakistan to support its peaceful civilian nuclear program. Pakistan finds itself in a diplomatically sensitive position, aiming to strengthen its strategic ties with the US while maintaining support for Iran. Shoaib emphasized Pakistan’s potential role as a mediator, leveraging its connections with Washington to help stabilize the region.
In a recent meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recognized Pakistan’s commitment to mediating between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan echoed this sentiment, expressing Islamabad’s willingness to contribute positively toward easing tensions.
Trade law expert Malik indicated that Iran hopes Pakistan’s closer relationship with Trump could facilitate a civilian nuclear deal. However, US sanctions on Tehran remain a significant barrier to full-scale bilateral trade. Shoaib pointed out that Islamabad has avoided formal trade with Iran, including the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, due to these sanctions.
Malik noted that while Pakistan engages in informal trade with Iran, easing tensions between Tehran and Washington could potentially lead to a relaxation of US sanctions. Analyst Aman, however, cautioned that major projects like the gas pipeline remain unlikely to progress unless conditions change, as Islamabad is wary of risking secondary sanctions or further straining its relationship with Washington.