IRS Roundtable Highlights Pakistan’s Emerging Mediatory Role in US–Iran Crisis
Islamabad – 18 April 2026 (MT Team) : The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad, convened a roundtable discussion on the ‘Israel–US War on Iran’, examining its regional fallout and Pakistan’s Mediation Role. The session brought together a distinguished panel, including Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam; Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed; Ambassador Asif Durrani (former Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran); Maj. Gen.(r) Zahid Mahmood, senior defence analyst; renowned journalist Hamid Mir; and media analyst Muneezay Jehangir. The discussion was chaired by the President of the Institute, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem.
Opening the session, Ambassador Saleem underscored the far-reaching repercussions of the 40-day US–Israel war against Iran, citing surging energy prices, trade disruptions, and the threat of broader regional escalation. He highlighted Pakistan’s emergence as a key diplomatic actor, helping bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table from the “brink of an uncontrolled escalation carrying global repurcussions’.
In his keynote address, Senator Mushahid Hussain described the current moment as one of the most significant in Pakistan’s diplomatic history. Drawing parallels with Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Beijing–Washington backchannel in the 1970s, he outlined three major structural consequences of the conflict: the collapse of the “Greater Israel” concept, the erosion of US influence in the region, and the urgent need for a new cooperative security architecture in the Middle East. He emphasized that “the security of the Gulf must be determined by regional stakeholders, not external powers”.
Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, offered a first-hand perspective on Iran’s experience during the conflict. He expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support and conveyed cautious optimism regarding the Islamabad Talks. While reaffirming Iran’s openness to dialogue, he cautioned that external adversaries seek to destabilize the Iranian state. He expressed confidence in Iran’s resilience, stating that its strength lies in an institutional, rather than individual-based, system. He further emphasized that Pakistan, as a trusted neighbour and Islamic partner, remains Iran’s preferred interlocutor for a constructive diplomatic outcome.
Ambassador Asif Durrani argued that US–Israeli actions had failed to achieve their stated objectives, calling instead for a new regional security framework supported by Russia and China to ensure long-term peace and stability.
Maj. Gen. Zahid Mehmood (r) framed the conflict within the broader shift toward multipolarity, noting that it has reinforced Iran’s ideological cohesion, heightened regional nuclear deterrence incentives, and increased risks of horizontal escalation particularly for Pakistan. He called for a collective regional security architecture, greater vigilance regarding India’s destabilizing role, and a forward-looking Iranian approach that avoids carrying the conflict’s burdens into future diplomacy.
Hamid Mir observed that Pakistan’s growing stature as a mediator is closely linked to Iran’s resilience during the conflict. He suggested that the United States’ global image has been weakened, compelling it to re-engage in negotiations. Nevertheless, he expressed cautious optimism that the Islamabad Talks could pave the way for a durable understanding between Washington and Tehran.
Muneezay Jehangir emphasized Pakistan’s consistent advocacy for dialogue as the primary means of conflict resolution. She noted that the ongoing war remains deeply unpopular among both American and Pakistani publics, reinforcing the urgency of diplomatic engagement.
The roundtable concluded with a strong consensus on Pakistan’s emerging role as a mediator—an opportunity that carries both significant strategic promise and considerable responsibility.
