Islamabad — Pakistan is approaching the upcoming U.S.-Iran summit with limited expectations, focusing not on a breakthrough deal but on simply keeping dialogue between the two sides alive.
Officials involved in the process say Islamabad’s primary objective is to prevent a collapse in communication, amid deep divisions over key issues such as nuclear policy, regional security, and control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The talks, expected to be hosted in Islamabad, come after weeks of intense backchannel diplomacy led by Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military officials, who worked to secure a fragile ceasefire and bring both sides to the table.
Despite these efforts, expectations remain low for any comprehensive agreement. Analysts note that Washington and Tehran remain far apart, with little common ground beyond a willingness to continue discussions.
Pakistan’s strategy reflects the high stakes of the situation. By maintaining even a minimal level of engagement, Islamabad hopes to reduce the risk of renewed escalation, stabilize the region, and protect its own security interests along its western border.
Recent diplomatic efforts nearly collapsed due to regional tensions, underscoring how fragile the process remains. However, Pakistan’s mediation has so far succeeded in keeping negotiations from breaking down entirely.
For now, officials say even a modest outcome—ensuring that talks continue—would be considered a success, as the path to a broader peace deal remains uncertain and highly complex.