Trump backs Pakistan as Iran mediator after criticism from Lindsey Graham | US-Israel war on Iran News
Trump Supports Pakistan as Iran Mediator Amid Skepticism from Senator Graham
Published May 12, 2026
Washington — President Donald Trump has reiterated his endorsement of Pakistan’s role as a mediator between Iran and the United States, despite skepticism expressed by Senator Lindsey Graham. Graham, a close ally of the president, has voiced concerns about Pakistan’s reliability in facilitating diplomacy.
In comments made Tuesday, Trump praised Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir for their involvement in negotiating a fragile ceasefire in Iran that took effect last month. “They’re great. I think the Pakistanis have been great. The field marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great,” Trump told reporters, affirming he does not intend to reconsider Pakistan’s mediation role.
Earlier in the day, Graham questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine regarding a CBS News report suggesting that Pakistan is permitting Iran to station military assets on its airfields to protect them from potential U.S. and Israeli attacks. Both officials refrained from commenting on the report, citing the sensitive nature of ongoing negotiations.
When Graham asked whether Pakistan could still serve as a fair mediator if the report is confirmed, Hegseth expressed reluctance to delve into the details of negotiations. Graham, however, asserted his need to address the issue, stating, “I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them. If they actually have Iranian aircraft parked in Pakistan bases to protect Iranian military assets, that tells me we should be looking for somebody else to mediate.”
Graham, a prominent proponent of aggressive foreign policy and regime change in Iran, has repeatedly advised Trump against concessions to Tehran. His criticisms come as diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations between Iran and the U.S. face significant challenges.
Following an April 8 ceasefire agreement, Pakistan has sought to revive stalled diplomacy between the two nations. However, Trump dismissed Tehran’s recent peace proposal as “unacceptable.” Additionally, Trump had previously announced plans to send U.S. envoys to Pakistan for discussions with Iranian officials, but canceled the trip after Iran insisted on lifting the naval blockade against its ports as a condition for resuming talks.
