Pakistan could soon be in the eye of a new storm as the world watches with anxiety upcoming nuclear talks between the United States and Iran.
The talks come after years of fluctuating relations marked by failed attempts at rapprochement and escalating tensions. The last attempt at regional stability, through the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed during the Obama administration, collapsed in 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal. The abrupt reversal reinstated sanctions and sparked a dangerous cycle of retaliation that persists today.
Both nations are now returning to the negotiating table as the world fears another collapse in dialogue could have catastrophic consequences. Trump’s recent warnings of Iran facing “great danger” if the talks fail cannot be taken lightly. Any military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran will inevitably spill over into the broader region, destabilizing already fragile states and igniting proxy wars that could stretch across borders. This should be a matter of great concern for Pakistan.
Sharing a border with Iran, Pakistan is on the frontline of any potential conflict that erupts in the Persian Gulf. The potential repercussions include a surge in refugees, a spike in sectarian tensions, economic shocks due to disrupted oil supply routes, and heightened security concerns along the western border. Pakistan is already experiencing resurgent terrorism and economic fragility and cannot afford to be swept into the vortex of another regional war.
Unfortunately, Trump has made clear he has no qualms about upending the existing world order. His trade tariffs have already inflicted sent global markets into a spiral. If his administration doesn’t recognize that maximum pressure strategies have only hardened Iran’s position, there is no chance of the talks succeeding. Similarly, Iran must understand that continued uranium enrichment and regional provocations fuel global distrust. For both states, the path forward demands restraint, realism, and renewed commitment to peace.
The Government of Pakistan cannot afford to ignore this critical moment. Islamabad should actively advocate for de-escalation and peaceful dialogue. As a key regional player and immediate neighbor to Iran, the country must not remain a passive observer. It must voice its concerns and push for diplomatic solutions—because if conflict erupts, it will be among the first to feel the heat.