Pakistan played a crucial last-minute diplomatic role in preventing a Middle East ceasefire from collapsing, as Iran was reportedly close to responding to continued strikes by Israel in Lebanon.
According to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, Tehran was on the verge of reacting to what it saw as a violation of the truce late last night. He said Pakistan intervened at a critical moment, conveying messages that the United States would ensure Israel showed restraint.
Khatibzadeh warned that the situation remains highly sensitive and stressed that any lasting peace deal must include Lebanon. He added that Pakistan’s timely intervention helped ease tensions at a point when the risk of renewed conflict was rapidly increasing.
The situation has also highlighted differences over how the ceasefire is being interpreted. Pakistani and Iranian officials believe Lebanon is part of the agreement, while US and Israeli officials maintain that it is not included.
US Vice President JD Vance described the situation as a “legitimate misunderstanding,” saying Iran viewed the ceasefire as covering Lebanon, while Washington did not agree to those terms.
Pakistan’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy at a critical moment appears to have helped prevent further escalation and preserve the fragile ceasefire, at least for now.
