Iran-US war: US Senator questions Pakistan's role as mediator after it refuses to sign Abraham Accords

US Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Pakistan’s neutrality as a mediator in US-Iran ceasefire talks, calling its role ‘problematic’ due to long-standing animosity toward Israel. He accused Pakistan of housing Iranian military aircraft on its air bases and demanded clarity on Islamabad’s stance after Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected US President Donald Trump’s push to join the Abraham Accords. Asif stated Pakistan would not support any agreement conflicting with its ‘fundamental ideologies,’ reiterating Islamabad’s refusal to recognize Israel. He emphasized Pakistan’s passport policy excludes Israel and questioned Israel’s trustworthiness, calling normalization ‘unacceptable.’ Trump had urged Pakistan, along with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, to join the Abraham Accords as part of a broader Middle East settlement. His post on Truth Social framed the Iran deal as a ‘Historic Event,’ warning failure could escalate regional conflict. The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, normalized ties between Israel and several Arab nations. Trump’s expansion efforts aim to include Muslim-majority countries, though Pakistan’s stance remains firm against engagement with Israel. Graham’s criticism follows Trump’s diplomatic pressure, highlighting tensions between US regional goals and Pakistan’s historical position on Israel. The dispute underscores challenges in brokering a unified Middle East agreement.