Najam Sethi explains what role Pakistan is playing in US-Iran peace talks

In an exclusive interview with India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi discussed Pakistan's evolving role as a mediator between the United States and Iran. Sethi explained that Pakistani leadership, including the Prime Minister and Field Marshal Munir, has been working continuously to convince both nations to drop their maximalist positions. He noted that while Iran initially agreed to talks, the situation deteriorated after the United States imposed a blockade following the capture of an Iranian ship. Sethi highlighted Beijing's indirect involvement, stating, "China is behind the scenes." He also detailed Pakistan's diplomatic efforts with the Donald Trump administration, mentioning the handover of a key terrorist and the signing of cryptocurrency deals. Sethi observed that these actions succeeded because "Trump is a transactional man." Addressing concerns from New Delhi regarding cross-border terrorism, Sethi dismissed the allegations, claiming, "Pakistan has not been exporting terror." He emphasised that Pakistan's primary interest in the peace talks is securing affordable oil from the Gulf and resuming the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.