Report Labels Pakistan Unsuitable Intermediary for U.S. Pressure on Iran
Real Clear Defense argues that Pakistan's economic and security dependencies on Iran make it an ineffective tool for United States diplomatic pressure.
A report by Real Clear Defense concludes that Pakistan is an unsuitable intermediary for the United States to use when applying pressure on Iran. The analysis indicates that Islamabad must maintain a stable relationship with Tehran to protect its own security and economic interests, particularly in the volatile Balochistan region where separatist violence is already common.
The report highlights how U.S. sanctions have already obstructed Pakistani energy goals, specifically stalling the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. It warns that disrupting Iranian petroleum smuggling networks would further destabilize the border economy.
Additionally, the analysis claims that Pakistan's military leadership views its access to Tehran as a diplomatic asset to maintain relevance in Washington. This creates a conflict of interest that encourages Islamabad to seek de-escalation rather than the sustained pressure desired by the United States.
