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Trump backs Pakistan as Iran mediator after criticism from Lindsey Graham
TL;DR
Donald Trump has reiterated his support for Pakistan as a mediator between Iran and the U.S., despite criticism from Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump praised Pakistan's leadership for their role in negotiating a ceasefire in Iran.
Key points
- Trump supports Pakistan as a mediator between Iran and the U.S.
- Lindsey Graham criticized Pakistan's diplomatic role.
- Trump praised Pakistan's leadership for negotiating a ceasefire.
Mentioned in this story
Donald TrumpLindsey GrahamShehbaz SharifAsim MunirUnited StatesIran
Donald Trump has reasserted his support for Pakistan to serve as a mediator between Iran and the United States after Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of the US president, disparaged Islamabad’s diplomacy.
In remarks on Tuesday, the US president lauded Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and its army chief Asim Munir, who helped negotiate a fragile ceasefire in Iran that came into effect last month.
Trump added he is not reconsidering Pakistan as a mediator.
“They’re great. I think the Pakistanis have been great. The field marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great,” Trump told reporters.
Hours earlier, Graham had pressed Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and top US general Dan Caine about a CBS News report claiming that Pakistan is allowing Iran to park military assets on its airfields, in order to shield them from potential US and Israeli attacks.
Both officials declined to comment on the veracity of the report, citing the sensitive nature of the talks between the US and Iran.
Asked by Graham whether it would be “consistent” for Pakistan to act as a fair mediator if the CBS report is confirmed, Hegseth said, “I wouldn’t want to get into the middle of these negotiations.”
The Republican senator quickly interrupted the defence secretary.
“I do. I want to get in the middle of those negotiations,” Graham said.
“I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them. If they actually have Iranian aircraft parked in Pakistan bases to protect Iranian military assets, that tells me maybe we should be looking for somebody else to mediate. No wonder this damn thing is going nowhere.”
The senator — an outspoken foreign policy hawk who has been calling for regime change in Iran — is seen as one of the most influential figures in Trump’s circle.
Graham has also been one of the most vocal supporters of the war with Iran, repeatedly cautioning Trump against agreeing to a deal that would include concessions to Tehran.
Weeks before the war broke out on February 28, Graham met the US president in Florida, where he handed Trump a hat that says, “Make Iran Great Again.”
Pakistan has been pushing to revive the stalled diplomacy between Iran and the US, following the April 8 ceasefire agreement.
On Sunday, Trump said Tehran’s latest proposal to end the war was “unacceptable”.
Q&A
Why did Trump support Pakistan as a mediator between Iran and the U.S.?
Trump supports Pakistan as a mediator because he believes the country's leadership has been effective in negotiating a ceasefire in Iran.
What did Lindsey Graham criticize about Pakistan's role in U.S.-Iran diplomacy?
Lindsey Graham criticized Pakistan for allegedly allowing Iran to use its airfields for military assets, raising concerns about U.S. and Israeli security.
Who are the key figures mentioned in Trump's support for Pakistan?
The key figures mentioned are Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir, who have been involved in the mediation efforts.
