Between Washington and Tehran: Pakistan’s Mediation Role in the US–Iran Ceasefire and Regional Stability

Abstract

This study examined Pakistan’s mediation role in the US–Iran ceasefire process and its implications for regional stability. The research explored how Pakistan functioned as an intermediary actor in facilitating indirect communication between Washington and Tehran during periods of heightened geopolitical tension. A qualitative research design was employed using secondary data sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, policy reports, and academic publications. The sample consisted of 50 scholarly documents selected through purposive sampling, including 30 journal articles, 12 policy reports, and 8 academic books published between 2006 and 2026. Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns related to mediation effectiveness, geopolitical constraints, and regional stability outcomes. Findings revealed that Pakistan played a significant role in communication facilitation and short-term crisis de-escalation between the United States and Iran. The results also indicated moderate improvement in regional stability, particularly in reducing escalation risks in maritime security zones and improving indirect diplomatic engagement. Structural limitations such as economic dependency, power asymmetry, and competing regional interests restricted long-term mediation effectiveness. The study concluded that Pakistan functioned primarily as a stabilizing mediator rather than a conflict resolver. The research highlighted the importance of middle-power diplomacy in contemporary international relations and emphasized that sustainable peace between the United States and Iran required broader multilateral engagement beyond bilateral mediation channels.

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