ISLAMABAD: “Pakistan has been working as a key intermediary, trying to bridge gaps between Washington and Tehran,” says former US National Security Advisor John Bolton, highlighting Islamabad’s significant diplomatic role amid tensions between Iran and the United States.
Speaking exclusively on a Pakistan TV program, Beyond Borders, former US NSA stressed that while Pakistan’s efforts are significant, the wide gap between the two sides continues to challenge any breakthrough.
Bolton says the core issue remains the deep mistrust and conflicting objectives between Tehran and Washington, making negotiations extremely difficult at this stage. He noted that Iran may be seeking to delay critical discussions, particularly around its nuclear program, while trying to recover from recent economic and military pressure.
Bolton pointed to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the ongoing blockade is severely impacting Iran’s economy while also putting global energy markets under strain. He suggested that opening the Strait for Gulf states, while maintaining pressure on Iran, could provide much-needed stability to international oil supplies.
He argued that sustained economic pressure could deepen alleged internal divisions within Iran’s leadership, potentially leading to significant political shifts. Despite ongoing mediation by Pakistan, Bolton cautioned that the situation remains volatile, with serious implications for regional security and the global economy.
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