US-Iran: Maleeha Lodhi on Pakistan’s New Role as Middle East Powerbroker | The Mishal Husain Show
From The Mishal Husain Show
Maleeha Lodhi•Former Pakistani Ambassador to the US, UK, and UN
Executive Summary
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the U.S.-Iran conflict, leveraging a personal relationship between its army chief and President Trump to broker talks.
The era of U.S.
dominance in the Middle East is considered over, creating a power vacuum and elevating the role of middle powers like Pakistan in shaping regional geopolitics.
The success of any ceasefire is highly precarious, with a significant risk that Israel will act to sabotage the agreement, testing President Trump's ability to restrain them.
Economic imperatives, particularly Pakistan's 90% reliance on Gulf oil, were a primary motivator for its high-stakes diplomatic intervention to prevent a wider, economically devastating conflict.
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Concerns Raised
Israel may act as a spoiler and sabotage any U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.
The maximalist negotiating positions of both the U.S. and Iran could prevent a lasting settlement.
The Middle East is entering a period of prolonged instability and realignment as U.S. influence wanes.
The U.S. will likely fail to learn from its historical pattern of underestimating nationalism in its foreign policy.
Opportunities Identified
Pakistan can leverage its new diplomatic standing to become a major player in the Middle East.
The crisis could lead to a new regional security framework as Gulf countries seek more reliable partners.
Iran may successfully implement a fee structure for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, altering global shipping economics.
The decline of U.S. dominance opens space for other middle powers to increase their influence on the world stage.