May 17, Pakistan — A high-ranking U.S. official has commended Pakistan for its crucial part in mediating peace talks between the United States and Iran, calling Islamabad’s efforts “essential” and a demonstration of “genuine leadership.”
U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman, who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, has sent a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir, the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff, conveying “sincere appreciation” for Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran.
In a letter dated May 15, published on official U.S. House of Representatives stationery, Bergman provided one of the most explicit public admissions from a current U.S. lawmaker regarding Pakistan’s role in the delicate diplomatic negotiations.
“I am writing as co-chair of the congressional Pakistan Caucus to convey my heartfelt thanks for the leadership you have both shown in the continuous peace talks between the United States and Iran,” Bergman wrote.
He praised Pakistan’s leadership for promoting dialogue during a crucial moment, noting that these initiatives had significantly helped reduce tensions and improve chances for peace.
The legislator also mentioned various cases where US President Donald Trump openly acknowledged Pakistan’s involvement in the process. These involved posts on social media and comments during public appearances, where Trump commended Pakistan’s leadership for facilitating discussions between the two parties.
“Pakistan is amazing. Field Marshal Asim Munir is outstanding. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is excellent. They are eager to witness progress,” Trump was quoted as stating in a similar remark.
Congressman Bergman also noted that advancements in the U.S.-Iran dialogue occurred alongside ongoing diplomatic initiatives, with Pakistan contributing a helpful and mediating role.
Complimenting Islamabad’s efforts in mediation, Bergman stated that Islamabad utilized its “distinctive position” to facilitate the parties reaching the negotiation table, describing the initiative as a demonstration of “genuine statesmanship.” He further mentioned that Pakistan’s involvement had been officially recognized by the president, the White House, and Congress, and expressed his complete support for these evaluations.
The Congressman stated, “On behalf of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, I extend my sincere thanks. We hold you in high esteem,” and subsequently mentioned his anticipation to return to Pakistan soon to further enhance relations between the two nations face-to-face.
The tone of the Congressman’s communication indicates a broader change in the rhetoric coming from Washington about Pakistan’s regional role. Instead of viewing Islamabad solely through the perspective of security collaboration or counterterrorism, the letter portrays Pakistan as a proactive diplomatic player able to influence the direction of major regional discussions.
“The strategic significance of the United States’ connection with Pakistan remains long-lasting, and Pakistan’s readiness to use its special position to gather these parties together reflects genuine diplomatic skill,” Bergman wrote.
Pakistan has been acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran in an effort to achieve a permanent resolution to the conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, which were then followed by Iranian responses targeting Israel and other regional nations that house US facilities.
Pakistan facilitated a two-week truce between the US and Iran on April 8, followed by important discussions in Islamabad, which were participated in by high-level representatives from both nations on April 11 and 12.
Nevertheless, neither party managed to achieve a consensus to conclude the hostilities.
Since then, both parties have been exchanging suggestions and responses in a bid to find a compromise and restart a second round of direct negotiations intended to put an end to the conflict, which has already affected global energy supplies and everyday life throughout the area.
Although Pakistan continues to hold out hope for the restart of direct negotiations, sources indicated that there was no “substantial” shift in Iran’s previous position regarding the nuclear matter in its reply to US suggestions.
As per reports, Tehran’s reply — conveyed to the United States through Islamabad last week — mainly centered on an “immediate” cessation of conflicts, with “minimal” content regarding Washington’s main request concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran, according to the sources, has suggested “more extensive and distinct” discussions regarding the nuclear matter, referencing its “complexity”.
Nevertheless, Tehran has “emphasized” its readiness to pause uranium enrichment for a span of five years, yet it has turned down Washington’s proposal for a 20-year suspension, as reported by the sources.
