Pakistan wasn't the obvious first choice as mediator in this war, but it has emerged as a key mediator in the US‑Israel war with Iran, positioning itself at the center of international efforts to de‑escalate a fast‑widening regional conflict.

In an interview with DW, Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's former Ambassador to the United Nations, United States, and United Kingdom, outlined why Islamabad is uniquely placed to play this role — and the risks it faces if mediation fails.