The recent terror attack in Pahalgam continues to cast a long shadow over regional diplomacy, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a high-profile visit to Islamabad this week. Positioned as part of a broader diplomatic outreach, Araghchi’s trip is widely seen as an effort by Iran to position itself as a potential mediator in the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. His meetings with Pakistani leaders including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were officially labeled as “routine,” but sources confirm that the discussions were dominated by the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed several tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Iran is reportedly pushing for what it calls "fraternal dialogue" between the nuclear-armed neighbors and sees its cultural and geographic ties with both countries as a basis for mediation. However, India has consistently rejected third-party intervention in its bilateral issues with Pakistan, particularly on Kashmir. Araghchi is also scheduled to visit New Delhi on May 8 to attend an economic conference, though there is speculation that the visit may shift toward conflict-related diplomacy amid rising tensions.

While Tehran presents itself as a neutral regional player, its deeper ties with Pakistan rooted in shared borders, trade, and security interests cast doubt on its ability to act as an unbiased mediator. Observers in both countries remain skeptical of Iran’s actual leverage, with critics in Pakistan suggesting Tehran’s overture may be more about asserting regional relevance than offering a practical path to peace. In New Delhi, officials have downplayed any linkage between Araghchi’s visit and the conflict, reaffirming India’s position against third-party involvement in sensitive bilateral disputes. Ultimately, Iran's diplomatic push may struggle to gain traction unless it can propose a framework both sides find credible something that appears elusive given the entrenched hostility and competing national narratives.