‘Problematic’: US senator questions Pak's mediator role amid war, seeks response to Trump's Abraham Accords call

Key Points:

• Senator Lindsey Graham has urged Pakistan to respond to former President Trump's call for mediators in the US-Iran conflict to join the Abraham Accords, emphasizing the importance of Pakistan's participation.
• Pakistani Defence Minister Asif rejected joining the Accords, stating it conflicts with Pakistan's fundamental ideologies and expressing distrust toward Israel, underscoring the country's longstanding stance on the issue.
• Graham questioned Pakistan's role as a mediator, citing reports of Pakistan allowing Iranian military use of its bases, which he said undermines Pakistan's credibility and effectiveness in peace negotiations.
• The Abraham Accords, initiated in 2020 under Trump, aim to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations, and have recently gained renewed attention as part of efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict.
• Pakistan maintains its position of not recognizing Israel until a viable Palestinian state is established, reaffirming its policy despite pressure to join the Accords and clarifying that involvement in peace initiatives like the Gaza truce board does not equate to joining the Abraham Accords.