Israels ambassador to India has cast doubt on Pakistans legitimacy as a mediator in the newly brokered US-Iran ceasefire, suggesting Washington has its own strategic interests at play. In a pointed interview, Ambassador Reuven Azar dismissed Pakistans involvement outright, stating, We dont see Pakistan as a credible player. He drew parallels to previous US engagements with intermediaries like Qatar or Turkey in Gaza talks, framing it as a tactical move rather than a vote of confidence in Islamabad.

The two-week ceasefire, announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday following discussions with Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to halt over a month of US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Key terms include Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil route—and both sides pausing hostilities. Vice President JD Vance is slated to visit Pakistan soon to explore extending the deal into broader nuclear and missile talks.

Pakistan hit back hard, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accusing Israel of undermining the process through continued strikes on Iran and Lebanon. Tehran has voiced similar concerns, warning that any escalation in Lebanon could jeopardize the fragile agreement. Israel, however, maintains the truce excludes Lebanon, prioritizing threats from Irans nuclear ambitions and proxies like Hezbollah. Netanyahu and Trump have aligned on keeping military pressure on Tehran intact outside the Hormuz-specific pause.

Islamabads mediation stems from its own vulnerabilities: the Hormuz disruptions spiked domestic fuel prices and strained an economy reliant on Gulf oil and remittances. Leveraging ties to both US allies and Iran, Pakistan shuttled proposals to facilitate the breakthrough. As oil markets hold their breath, this episode underscores shifting Middle East dynamics under Trumps return. Pakistan could gain diplomatic clout if the truce holds, but Israels distrust and Irans hardline positions foreshadow potential hurdles. Any breakdown risks renewed global energy shocks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.