Pakistan helped avert wider conflict through US-Iran mediation, security sources say

Sources say Islamabad's engagement with all stakeholders helped prevent a major regional confrontation

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Web Desk June 16, 2026 7 min read

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Pakistan's efforts to facilitate diplomacy between the United States and Iran were aimed at promoting regional stability rather than securing any narrow national interest, security sources said on Tuesday, saying that Islamabad had helped prevent a potentially devastating conflict through engagement with all major stakeholders.

Iran and the United States agreed to a peace deal mediated by Pakistan after a conflict that lasted more than three and a half months, with both Iran and the US confirming the development on late Sunday.

“Pakistan is not interested in time diplomacy. The mediation efforts undertaken by the country's political and military leadership were not aimed at achieving any limited objective,” the sources said.

Read: Pakistan mediation pulls off elusive deal

According to the sources, Pakistan played an important role in helping avert a war that could have been imposed on the region and carried serious consequences for regional peace and security.

“Through consultations and cooperation with all key parties, Pakistan contributed to preventing a major conflict whose repercussions could have been severe,” they said.

The sources credited Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir with playing a significant role in the diplomatic process.

“Through sincerity, professional competence, wisdom, and the grace of God, Field Marshal Asim Munir played a key role in saving the region from a major confrontation,” they said, adding that it was “a success achieved without fighting a war and a reflection of the highest level of strategic thinking.”

They stressed that sensitive diplomatic efforts required confidentiality and caution.

“Pakistan, as a responsible mediator, cannot afford speculation. Therefore, no comments will be made on the contents of the negotiations, their details or the future course of action,” the sources said.

However, they acknowledged that attempts to undermine peace efforts could continue but maintained that Pakistan would remain committed to working with its partners for regional stability.

“Efforts to sabotage peace may continue, but Pakistan will keep working with complete sincerity alongside its partners to establish peace,” they added.

The sources also praised Muslim countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, for demonstrating restraint and leadership during the crisis.

Also Read: Pakistan wins global praise for brokering US-Iran agreement

“Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries displayed leadership, patience and strategic restraint. Their efforts helped prevent a conflict that could have engulfed the entire region and further divided the Muslim world,” they said.

The sources said military diplomacy and ties with friendly countries should be viewed within the broader context of national interests and strategic engagement.

“Relations with friendly countries cannot be viewed through a narrow lens. They are part of broader diplomatic strategy and national interests,” they said.

They maintained that Pakistan's diplomacy was independent and not borrowed from any other country. “Pakistan’s diplomacy is its own. It is not borrowed from anyone,” they said.

Foreign relations

Commenting on remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding Chabahar Port, the sources said every country pursued its own interests.

“Every state has its own interests. We have no reason to be concerned about who meets whom,” they said.

The sources described Pakistan's ties with China as exceptionally strong.

“In the past, it was said that relations with China were sweeter than honey, higher than the Himalayas and stronger than iron. Today, we say Pakistan’s relationship with China has become stronger than platinum,” they said, while adding that Pakistan also maintained cordial relations with other countries too.

“We have our own relations with the United States. We also enjoy sincere relations with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran,” they said.

Imran's alleged meeting with former army chief

Responding to a question regarding reports of a meeting between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and a former army chief, the sources reiterated that the military had no role in politics.

“We have repeatedly stated that the Pakistan Army has nothing to do with politics. Politicians should talk among themselves,” they said.

“When some individuals become irrelevant, such reports begin to surface,” the sources added.

Afghanistan ties

Discussing security challenges, the sources described terrorism as a continuing reality and said Pakistan had repeatedly engaged with the Afghan government on the issue.

“We have engaged extensively with the Afghan government, but each time the issue returns to terrorism,” they said.

The sources said that Pakistan had adopted a tougher approach towards Afghanistan due to ongoing security concerns.

“In Afghanistan, there is talk of dialogue on one hand and terrorism on the other. That is why we have adopted a hard approach,” they said.

The sources claimed that more than 32,000 operations had been conducted up to June 15.

“Over 32,000 operations have been carried out. A total of 1,861 terrorists were killed, including 991 inside Pakistan and 862 inside Afghanistan,” they said.

According to the figures shared by the sources, 74% of 2,170 operations were conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and 34% in Balochistan.

“An average of 10.3 terrorists were killed daily, while 640 Pakistanis embraced martyrdom,” they said.

The sources also claimed that precision strikes were used in Afghanistan to avoid civilian casualties.

“We used expensive munitions in Afghanistan to ensure ordinary people were not harmed,” they said.

They further claimed that more than two dozen terrorist organisations were operating inside Afghanistan.

Kashmir issue and BLA

On the Kashmir dispute, the sources said the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir were pursuing their own movement.

“We have fought five wars with India over Kashmir. The people of occupied Kashmir are running their own movement. Can anyone buy them?” they asked.

The sources claimed that Kashmiris remained dissatisfied with Indian rule.

“They cannot remove the love for Pakistan from the hearts of Kashmiris,” they said.

On water-related disputes with India, the sources said Pakistan had various options at its disposal and would act in accordance with government directives.

“We have all options available regarding the water issue and can act on the instructions of the government. India should not test our resolve,” they said.

The sources warned against any attempt to impede Pakistan's water rights, saying such a move would draw a response.

“Let India try to stop Pakistan's water; we will show them the consequences,” they added.

The sources said Pakistan would continue to defend the decisions taken by the National Security Committee (NSC) in 2025 and remain committed to the Indus Waters Treaty.

“We will defend the NSC decisions of 2025 and ensure that the Indus Waters Treaty remains intact,” they said.

The sources rejected allegations that the United Arab Emirates was involved in any conspiracy against Pakistan.

“The UAE is not part of any conspiracy against Pakistan, including in Balochistan,” they said.

They alleged that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was backed by India.

“The BLA is Indian-sponsored, which is why it has been described as Fitna al-Hindustan,” they said.

The sources also accused terrorist groups and hostile elements of exploiting social media and rights-based narratives.

“They come forward in the name of rights but seek to create unrest. They burn property and then blame the security forces,” they alleged.

According to the sources, security conditions in Balochistan had improved significantly.

“More than 24,700 operations have been conducted in Balochistan. The situation has improved considerably, and people are benefiting from mineral resources,” they said.

They also maintained that governments in Balochistan were formed through constitutional and parliamentary processes.

“Governments in Balochistan are made through the assembly. The military has no role in that process,” they said.

Commenting on the May 9 cases, the sources said legal proceedings would continue regardless of delays.

“Even if individuals are absconding, the law will take its course. Once they are arrested, the process of punishment will begin,” they said.

“The May 9 case belongs to Pakistan, not the army. Wait and see; the matter will reach its conclusion,” the sources added.