Pakistan emerges as a self-interested mediator in the Iran conflict

J.D. Vance, the American vice president, meets with Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif on April 11, 2026, in Islamabad. JACQUELYN MARTIN VIA REUTERS Sometimes, Donald Trump can be convinced to rein in his bellicose impulses. Pakistan, a client state of the United States, demonstrated its influence by persuading Trump to halt "Project Freedom" on Wednesday, May 6, a plan to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz. "Pakistan has been fantastic. And its leaders have been fantastic, the marshal and the prime minister," said the US president on Thursday, May 7, despite his frustration at Iran's closure of this maritime corridor crucial to the global economy. The bold Trump initiative had led Saudi Arabia, fearful of Iranian retaliation, to deny US forces access to its bases and airspaces. "Project Freedom" only lasted 48 hours . Regardless of the reversal's fallout, Trump made no secret that he acted "on the request of Pakistan and other countries," including Riyadh, to avoid jeopardizing the "great progress" he saw in talks with the Iranian regime. Islamabad sent Tehran a framework agreement intended to open a month-long round of negotiations. The White House expected a response on May 8, seemingly turning a blind eye to the ongoing exchanges of fire in the strait. After the collapse of the April 11 talks in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital dared to hope. "We are very optimistic that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement," said Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on May 6. You have 83.4% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.