Pakistan May Be Used By US, But Its Mediation Role In West Asia War Is Significant: Tharoor To News18

Last Updated:April 09, 2026, 6:35 PM IST

Tharoor also referred to the recent gaffe by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, who initially posted the ceasefire announcement on X with the word “Draft” still attached.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. (PTI file photo)

Congress senior leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said that while Pakistan may be acting on behalf of the US in mediating the West Asia ceasefire, its role remains ‘significant’, particularly as Iran has formally acknowledged Islamabad’s involvement.

Speaking to CNN-News18 on Thursday, Tharoor commented on Pakistan’s role in mediating the ceasefire between the US and Iran.

“So first of all, I think you already indicated you’re aware of the fact that that it may be that Pakistan is not really the initiator of this process, but is being used by Washington as a fig leaf,” Tharoor said.

He referred to the recent gaffe by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who initially posted the ceasefire announcement on X with the word “Draft” still attached.

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“Suddenly the same phrases pop up in the Pakistani text… It does suggest as if they are being used to some degree. But even then, it’s a particularly significant role, because, as you know, the Iranians have acknowledged Pakistan,” the Congress leader noted, further adding, “Just a year ago, they were busy bombing each other. So this is actually fairly important to acknowledge.”

Tharoor also outlined several reasons why Pakistan’s mediation matters. “I think Pakistan has two or three things going for it. One is that the relationship between Field Marshal Asim Munir, whom President Trump describes as his favourite Field Marshal, seems to be really an operational factor. We can’t we can’t wish it away.”

He also pointed to Pakistan’s geographical and cultural proximity to Iran. With a 900-kilometre shared border and 40 million Shias within Pakistan, the country has a unique role in influencing events in the region.

“As a neighbour, whether it’s always friendly or not, Pakistan is skin in the game. And that, to my mind, is what explains the Islamabad channel that both Iran and America have had reasons to use Pakistan or to rely on Pakistan to do this,” Tharoor said.

Tharoor stressed that India should support efforts for peace regardless of who is brokering it. “These are significant developments. But having said that, I don’t see why we should object. As far as we are concerned, we want peace because the war is hurting us.”

“I mean, there is no question that Indians are hurting… from the crises that have been caused by this war going on. So India’s core national interest lies in the favour of peace,” he stated.

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