Key Points
- Pakistan described as key intermediary in Iran–US diplomatic track
- Qatar also present in multi-party mediation effort
- Vance says “very good, we love Pakistan” in televised remarks
ISLAMABAD: US Vice President J D Vance on Sunday praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role in Iran-US peace talks ahead of the Lake Lucerne Summit, in Switzerland, where Islamabad is playing a facilitative role alongside other regional mediators.
The Vice President held a brief but high-profile meeting and photoshoot with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is a key intermediary in backchannel contacts between Washington and Tehran.
The informal opening exchange drew attention after Vance greeted Munir warmly, saying, “What’s up, man! Good to see you,” highlighting the unusually relaxed tone of the early discussions despite the sensitive agenda.
Officials and mediators from Qatar were also present at the venue, reflecting the multi-layered diplomatic effort involving regional partners in sustaining momentum for the Iran-US dialogue process.
The Swiss setting, overlooking Lake Lucerne, has become the latest focal point for mediated engagement aimed at reaching a final agreement in light of the Islamabad MoU, signed by the presidents of the United States and Iran, besides PM Shehbaz as mediator.
Following the meeting, Pakistani television questioned the US Vice President about Islamabad’s mediatory role in the Iran-US engagement.
In response, Vance offered a brief but notable endorsement, saying, “very good, we love Pakistan,” while giving a thumbs-up on camera, a remark that quickly gained attention across diplomatic and media circles.
The Switzerland talks are part of an ongoing effort to maintain a structured dialogue channel between Washington and Tehran, with Pakistan and Qatar facilitating communication between the two sides amid wider regional tensions.
