U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said he does not trust Pakistan and called for a reevaluation of bilateral relations [1, 2].
The statement signals a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Islamabad, as the senator questioned Pakistan's reliability as a partner in regional security and negotiations with Iran [2].
Graham said his concerns were based on reports that Iranian military jets were parked in Pakistan to avoid U.S. strikes [2]. He suggested that this action undermines the trust necessary for the two nations to maintain a strategic partnership, particularly during periods of heightened tension between the U.S. and Iran [2].
The senator's comments come amid broader discussions regarding the role of regional mediators. While some officials have considered Pakistan's position in the geopolitical landscape, Graham's stance highlights a deep skepticism regarding the country's neutrality [1].
This lack of trust, according to Graham, makes it difficult to rely on Pakistan as a stable intermediary in U.S.-Iran negotiations [2]. He said the U.S. should conduct a comprehensive reassessment of how it engages with the Pakistani government to ensure that U.S. strategic interests are not compromised by the sheltering of adversarial assets [2].
The call for a reevaluation reflects a growing tension within U.S. policy circles over whether Pakistan remains a viable ally in the Middle East and South Asia [1, 2].
“He does not trust Pakistan”
This development underscores a volatility in U.S.-Pakistan relations, where security cooperation is often contingent on Pakistan's perceived neutrality. If high-ranking U.S. officials view Pakistan as a sanctuary for Iranian military assets, it could lead to reduced military aid or a pivot toward other regional partners to mediate conflicts in the Persian Gulf.
