Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Pakistan’s role in Iran-related mediation efforts during a Senate hearing on Tuesday (12 May), stating: “I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them,” as he raised concerns over its neutrality in regional diplomacy.
During the exchange, Graham cited reports alleging that Pakistan may be allowing Iranian aircraft to be parked at its air bases, asking General Dan Caine whether such activity would be consistent with acting as a neutral peace mediator.
Caine said he had seen limited reporting on the issue but declined to confirm its accuracy, noting sensitivities around ongoing negotiations.
Graham argued that if the reports were accurate, they would undermine Pakistan’s role, stating: “That is sort of inconsistent with it being a peace mediator.” He later added: “No wonder this damn thing is going nowhere.”
Secretary Pete Hegseth also declined to engage directly on the matter, saying he did not want to be drawn into ongoing negotiations.
Graham concluded by criticising Pakistan’s broader geopolitical alignment, suggesting alternative mediators may need to be considered amid stalled diplomatic progress.
The wider hearings saw both Republicans and Democrats question aspects of the administration’s Iran strategy, including the ceasefire, war costs, and the decision to engage militarily without explicit congressional authorisation.
Lawmakers also raised concerns over rising expenditure linked to the conflict, with officials noting the evolving scale of the Pentagon’s proposed budget and the broader implications for US defence spending priorities in 2027.
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