By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump has indicated he would consider visiting Islamabad if ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran culminate in a deal, underscoring Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in the crisis.

Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Islamabad’s facilitation efforts and signaled openness to traveling to Pakistan.
“I would. I would go to Pakistan, yeah. Pakistan has been great,” he said. “If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go.”

The remarks come as backchannel and formal contacts between the United States and Iran intensify, with Pakistan positioning itself as a key intermediary.

US Senator Lindsey Graham confirmed the level of direct engagement, noting that Trump has been personally involved in negotiations. “The president is negotiating himself. He was on the phone with them a couple of days ago,” Graham said, adding that discussions were intense.

Parallel to diplomatic efforts in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir is currently in Tehran, where he has held high-level meetings aimed at de-escalation.

Munir met with senior Iranian military leadership, including the commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, where he presented a report outlining Pakistan’s efforts to help end hostilities and sustain negotiations.

Iranian General Abdollahi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role, thanking both the government and people of Pakistan for their support during the conflict.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s cautious stance toward Washington, citing past breaches of commitments.

“Iran does not trust the United States due to repeated violations,” Pezeshkian said, while emphasizing that Tehran seeks to secure its rights under international law.

At the same time, he acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic role, noting its efforts in facilitating dialogue, supporting ceasefire initiatives, and hosting Iranian delegations in Islamabad.

In a separate meeting with Pakistan’s army chief, Pezeshkian described Islamabad’s role in advancing a ceasefire as “responsible and notable,” adding that Iran seeks peace, stability, and stronger regional ties. He also stressed that unity among Muslim countries would counter external pressures in the region.

Pakistan’s role as a mediator has gained increasing international attention, particularly as tensions between Iran and the United States risk broader regional escalation.

Officials in Islamabad have positioned the country as a neutral facilitator capable of hosting dialogue between adversaries, a role reinforced by both Washington’s engagement and Tehran’s public acknowledgment.

Trump’s suggestion that he could visit Pakistan if a deal is finalized further highlights Islamabad’s emerging importance in the evolving diplomatic landscape.

The current diplomatic push follows heightened tensions in the Middle East and renewed efforts to revive dialogue between the United States and Iran. Pakistan’s involvement reflects a broader strategy of leveraging its regional relationships to reduce conflict and promote negotiated outcomes.

With high-level contacts underway in both Islamabad and Tehran, and direct engagement from Washington, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether a breakthrough agreement can be reached.