Graham's Distrust Sparks Concerns Over Pakistan's Mediator Role

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has voiced significant distrust regarding Pakistan's role as mediator in U.S.-Iran negotiations. His concerns arise from allegations that Iranian military aircraft have been stationed in Pakistan, potentially shielding them from U.S. airstrikes, thus challenging Islamabad's neutrality in the region.

During a high-stakes Senate Appropriations Committee testimony, Graham questioned U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about these allegations, emphasizing doubt over Pakistan's impartiality. Graham, a political ally of former President Donald Trump, has suggested the U.S. consider alternative mediators to foster effective diplomacy.

Pakistan has rejected the allegations as misleading, asserting no military agreements with Iran linked to the aircraft's presence. Meanwhile, President Trump has emphasized patience in negotiations, underlining the effectiveness of existing economic sanctions against Tehran as leverage in discussions to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions.

(With inputs from agencies.)