Pakistan's move this time, a big win for US-Iran negotiations!


On April 11th, Iran's Speaker and Foreign Minister led a delegation to Islamabad, with Pakistan hosting at a high level: as their plane entered the airspace, Pakistani fighter jets immediately escort and even threw heat flares to welcome them.
Even more explosive is what happened two days ago—Pakistan's JF-17 fighter squadron directly entered Iranian airspace, escorting the Iranian delegation all the way to Islamabad for crucial US-Iran talks. They also conveniently protected the Saudi delegation's plane! Sunni and Shia leaders flying under the protection of the same "Pakistani Iron" force—can you believe this scene?
How luxurious is the lineup? More than 6 JF-17 Block 3 fighters leading the formation, armed with P-15 missiles; two refueling aircraft, two types of early warning and command aircraft, plus four transport planes carrying supplies—the complete combat chain on display. Doing this kind of full escort in another country's airspace, besides Turkey, there's no one else in the Islamic world.
Pakistan has made a huge profit: triple dividends!
1️⃣ Gained Iran's trust—Iran used to rely on Russia, now they have a safer option.
2️⃣ Stabilized the relationship with Saudi Arabia while not offending Iran, playing a textbook "balance" in sectarian conflicts.
3️⃣ The most impressive—secured an invitation to the US-Iran negotiations! This is the highest-level contact between the US and Iran since 1979, with Pakistan acting as host and mediator. Both sides trust Pakistan: bordering Iran, with close religious and geopolitical ties; relations with the US warming, no US military bases on its territory, so Iran is reassured, and the US also feels it's manageable.
Don't ask why they're willing to be the "big fool"—
A few fighter jets' fuel costs have boosted Pakistan's international influence. In the past, US-Iran negotiations took place in Switzerland and Qatar, and Pakistan had no observer status; now, they are directly at the negotiation table.
This wave, Pakistan has gone from a marginal player to the main stage. If the US-Iran talks go smoothly, Pakistan could become a "super mediator" easing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, even fostering a new alliance for counter-terrorism and energy cooperation. Pakistan has truly won big this time!
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