Nobel recommendation to condemnation: Why US strikes on Iran may make it difficult for Pakistan to continue its diplomatic balancing act

Increasingly, Pakistan's approach to the Iran-Israel conflict exemplifies a high-stakes diplomatic tightrope walk.

A day after Islamabad backed Donald Trump as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, Pakistan has summarily condemned the United States' recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The condemnation marks a visible contradiction, if not a departure from Islamabad's diplomatic balancing act amid Iran-Israel conflict.

As per the official statement issued by the Pakistani foreign ministry on Sunday, Pakistan stated it is "gravely concerned" at the risk of a possible escalation of tensions in West Asia. Taking to X, the ministry added that the US strikes "violate all norms of international law," adding that Iran has a right to defend itself under the UN Charter.

Many experts on the politics of West Asia opine that the United States’ strikes on the nuclear sites in Iran is a major diplomatic setback for Pakistan. The country, which had recommended US President Donald Trump’s name for the 2026 Nobel Peace prize on June 21, condemned the strikes on Tehran on June 22.

Pak's high-stakes diplomatic tightrope walk

Increasingly, Pakistan's approach to the Iran-Israel conflict exemplifies a high-stakes diplomatic tightrope walk. While extending strong rhetorical support to Tehran-condemning Israeli airstrikes as 'violations of international humanitarian law', Pakistan has cautiously avoided tangible military commitments. Pakistan's recent diplomatic overtures reflect a strategic balancing act aimed at leveraging global rivalries to its advantage.

Experts believe as India deepens ties with the United States - a relationship increasingly driven by counter-China imperatives - Pakistan appears to be positioning itself as a potential partner that Washington could use to moderate India's influence or serve regional goals.

When Pak backed Trump for Nobel Peace prize

In a social media post, Pakistan stated that it will back US President Donald Trump's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2026 for his leadership during the India-Pakistan conflict earlier this year. "The Government of Pakistan has decided to formally recommend President Donald J Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis," the post on X read.
Pakistan's statement comes after Trump took to Truth Social and stated that he will "never" get a Nobel prize.
"I should have gotten it four or five times. They won't give me a Nobel Peace Prize because they only give it to liberals,” said Trump.

When Pakistan lauded Trump

Pakistan lauded Trump for his role in negotiating the May 2025 India-Pakistan ceasefire, a move they believed demonstrated his commitment to peace. India has maintained that the US had no role in putting Operation Sindoor on halt and that the ceasefire was agreed upon based on Pakistan’s request. Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir’s White House meeting with Trump on June 18 also signalled closer ties.

The timing of Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir's White House meeting with President Donald Trump is pivotal. Trump reportedly sought Pakistan's alignment against Iran, offering advanced weapon systems and financial aid in exchange for distancing from China and Russia.

Islamabad's strong condemnation of US strikes

Islamabad has strongly condemned the United States' recent strikes on the key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. “The unprecedented escalation of tension and violence, owing to ongoing aggression against Iran is deeply disturbing. Any further escalation of tensions will have severely damaging implications for the region and beyond,” said Pakistan.

The American strikes have put Pakistan in a precarious position. The country, which shares a 900-km border with Iran, relies heavily on Tehran for trade, security, and the stability of its Shia community, which constitutes 15-20% of its population. The escalation threatens to destabilise Balochistan, a region already plagued by separatist movements, and could potentially embolden Sunni jihadist groups like Jaish al-Adl.