Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said Tuesday that he does not trust Pakistan to act as a mediator in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran [1].
The statement highlights growing tension regarding the reliability of regional partners in managing the conflict. If a mediator is perceived as biased or compromised, diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation may fail.
Graham said during a Senate hearing with top Pentagon officials [2]. During the proceedings, he addressed reports that Pakistan permitted Iranian aircraft to park at its military bases [3]. He suggested that such actions undermine the country's ability to serve as a neutral third party in the ongoing diplomatic process.
"I don't trust Pakistan as far as I can throw 'em," Graham said [1].
The senator expressed frustration with the current state of negotiations. He linked the lack of progress to the involvement of parties he deems untrustworthy. "No wonder this damn thing is going nowhere," Graham said [4].
Graham further emphasized his lack of confidence in the Pakistani government's motives. "I don't trust them," he said [3].
The hearing, often referred to as the Hegseth hearing, focused on the broader strategy regarding the Iran war and the role of foreign allies [2]. Graham's comments suggest a shift toward skepticism regarding the use of intermediaries who maintain military ties with adversaries.
“"I don't trust Pakistan as far as I can throw 'em."”
This development indicates a hardening of the U.S. legislative stance toward Pakistan's neutrality. By publicly questioning Pakistan's integrity as a mediator due to its military cooperation with Iran, Graham is signaling that the U.S. may seek alternative diplomatic channels or apply more pressure on Islamabad to prove its alignment with American interests.
