Pakistan has stepped into a key diplomatic role to mediate between the US and Iran amid escalating fears of a regional conflict. With good ties to both Washington and Tehran, Islamabad seeks to resolve the war and protect its interests.

As fears of a wider regional conflict escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began in late February, Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected mediator, offering to help bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table. Islamabad isn't often called on to act as an intermediary in high-stakes diplomacy, but it's stepped into the role this time, both because it has relatively good ties with both Washington and Tehran and because it has a lot at stake in seeing the war resolved.