US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has openly questioned Pakistan’s role as a possible mediator between the United States and Iran, deepening scrutiny over Islamabad’s increasingly controversial diplomatic balancing act in the Middle East.

Graham described Pakistan’s involvement in the ongoing US-Iran peace efforts as “more than problematic,” citing Islamabad’s long-standing hostility toward Israel and raising concerns over its neutrality in sensitive regional negotiations.

The criticism came shortly after Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected calls for Islamabad to join the Abraham Accords, insisting that recognising Israel would go against Pakistan’s “fundamental ideologies.” Pakistan has maintained that it will not recognise Israel until the establishment of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Graham also referred to reports alleging that Iranian military aircraft had been allowed to use Pakistani airbases during recent tensions involving Tehran and Washington. The senator argued that such allegations seriously undermine Pakistan’s credibility as a neutral intermediary.

“It is undeniable that Iranian military aircraft are being housed on Pakistani air bases,” Graham reportedly said while questioning Islamabad’s role in diplomacy surrounding Iran.

The remarks have once again exposed Pakistan’s increasingly difficult geopolitical position. Islamabad has attempted to portray itself as a mediator capable of engaging both Tehran and Washington, while simultaneously maintaining close military ties with Saudi Arabia and deep strategic dependence on China.

Critics argue that Pakistan’s foreign policy appears increasingly contradictory and military-driven. Analysts note that Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has become more visible than civilian leaders in diplomatic engagements involving Iran, China and Gulf powers, reinforcing long-standing concerns about military dominance over Pakistan’s strategic decision-making.

The controversy also highlights growing unease within sections of the US political establishment regarding Pakistan’s reliability as a diplomatic partner. Earlier this month, Graham had bluntly stated, “I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them,” while discussing reports linked to Iranian aircraft allegedly operating from Pakistani territory.

Observers say the criticism from a senior US senator could complicate Pakistan’s attempts to project itself as a key regional peacemaker at a time when the country is already struggling with economic instability, militant violence and diplomatic pressure from multiple sides.

Regional analysts warn that Pakistan’s attempt to balance relations between Iran, Saudi Arabia, China and the United States may become increasingly unsustainable if mistrust continues to grow among major global players. 

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