US politician sees Pak as key mediator

A leading US congressman has said that Islamabad is "a very, very important neutral party, with friends on both sides, who could play a greater diplomatic role in the ongoing negotiations with Iran."

Speaking during a virtual briefing of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, Congressman Tom Suozzi noted that Pakistan's strategic significance extends beyond security, citing its nuclear capability, sizeable military, and location in a "highly important region."

"We see from this negotiation with Iran right now, and the role that it's playing, Pakistan can play more and more of a role in international affairs as a mediator," said Suozzi, the Democratic co-chair of the caucus.

Pakistan's Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh echoed the assessment, saying the country has long maintained multi-directional diplomacy, stressing Pakistan's readiness to facilitate dialogue between the US and Iran if requested.