US-Iran Deal Reshapes West Asian Security, Puts Pakistan in Key Role
The recent US-Iran peace framework, while a victory for pragmatism, has irrevocably altered the security landscape of West Asia, creating new challenges and opportunities for Pakistan, according to regional analysts. The deal’s success remains uncertain, threatened by hardliners in Washington and Jerusalem who view it as an obstacle rather than a solution.
The conflict exposed the unreliability of old security arrangements, particularly American guarantees to Gulf states, prompting a strategic rethink across the region. A key development is a growing divergence between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Riyadh is pursuing a security mechanism involving an extended role for Pakistan and Turkey while normalizing ties with Iran, a framework Qatar is also moving towards. In contrast, Abu Dhabi is integrating Israel and India into its security structure, a move that raises concerns about regional stability.
Amid this shifting landscape, Pakistan is navigating a complex path, leveraging its policy of “strategic autonomy.” Having successfully mediated the US-Iran deal, Islamabad is now positioned to manage the Saudi-UAE divergence without choosing sides, a strategy consistent with its National Security Policy’s focus on “geo-economics over geopolitics.” This approach has been acknowledged by global powers and was praised by Qatar, which welcomed the peace memorandum and lauded Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
Analysts suggest that by maintaining open channels with all parties and avoiding “camp politics,” Pakistan is solidifying its role as a crucial mediator and a stabilizing force in a fractured region.
