US Senator Rick Scott sharply criticised Pakistan’s role in efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran, accusing Islamabad of sending conflicting signals after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a post on X, Scott questioned Pakistan’s suitability as a mediator in the ongoing US-Iran diplomatic process, arguing that the country has not demonstrated the credibility to play such a role. He also referenced past actions he described as inconsistent, and said, “They’re no better qualified to ‘mediate’ this than the Hamas-harboring Qataris. Islamabad should take note; we’re watching closely.”
Scott’s comments followed Sharif’s trip to Tehran, where he paid tribute to Khamenei, describing him as “a great scholar and leader whom millions of Muslims will remember” and adding that “Pakistan and Iran will march together under all circumstances.”
The funeral drew large crowds in the Iranian capital, with mourners dressed in black. Khamenei’s flag-draped coffin was carried through Tehran during a procession presented by authorities as a display of unity, and the ceremony included anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.
The episode comes as negotiations between the US and Iran remain stalled, with talks expected to resume after Khamenei’s burial. Major disagreements cited include Iran’s nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz, and wider regional security issues.
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