Iran has raised concerns about Pakistan’s role as a mediator in ongoing diplomatic efforts with the United States, with officials questioning Islamabad’s neutrality. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said Pakistan lacks the credibility required to act as an impartial intermediary in sensitive negotiations.

Rezaei argued that Pakistan tends to align with US interests and fails to challenge Washington’s positions when necessary. He cited past diplomatic exchanges, claiming Islamabad had not openly addressed instances where the United States initially supported certain proposals but later withdrew its commitments. According to his remarks, an effective mediator must maintain balance rather than appear to favor one side.

The criticism comes as Abbas Araghchi returned to Islamabad following discussions in Oman, after leaving earlier without meeting US envoys. The absence of direct engagement reportedly led to a change in plans by US officials, further complicating the diplomatic process. Although Araghchi returned for another round of talks, uncertainty continues to surround the progress of negotiations.

Tensions have also been linked to a ceasefire proposal introduced earlier this month by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which included provisions related to Lebanon and the release of Iranian assets. US leaders, including Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, later rejected aspects of the proposal, contributing to disagreements over its terms.

Additional scrutiny has emerged from reports suggesting external influence on official communications related to the proposal, though these claims remain unverified. Meanwhile, broader geopolitical factors, including Pakistan’s strategic ties with Saudi Arabia, have added to concerns in Tehran about whether Islamabad can maintain neutrality. As discussions continue, the future of the negotiations remains uncertain, with both sides yet to reach a clear resolution.