BEIJING: Pakistan has received international recognition for its role as the sole mediator in ceasefire negotiations with Iran, a role that US President Donald Trump once again lauded during remarks in China.
During an interview with the press, Trump referred to Pakistan as “an outstanding country” and congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on their leadership roles in reaching the ceasefire agreement with Iran.
While the American president has in the past appreciated the efforts made by Pakistan, his latest statement holds special relevance in light of criticism by the US Senator Lindsey Graham, who is an associate of the president, regarding Pakistan’s neutrality in the talks.
Trump, while not directly referring to the senator, indirectly rebutted all his concerns about Pakistan’s neutrality through the latter’s appreciation of Pakistan’s leadership.
In a recent development, even the Prime Minister of Qatar had appreciated Pakistan’s mediating role, saying that Islamabad was doing its job efficiently as a mediator without the intervention of any third party.
The Iranian leadership has also appreciated Pakistan’s mediation, acknowledging its role in maintaining peace within the region via official meetings as well as telephonic consultations.
Trump brands US media reports on Iran ‘treasonous’
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has criticized American media outlets over their coverage of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, describing some reports as “practically treasonous” and accusing journalists of undermining US interests.
In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump condemned reports suggesting that Tehran may hold a stronger strategic position in the conflict involving the United States and Israel. He argued that such reporting amounted to assisting the enemy and giving Iran “false hope.”
“Reports implying that Iran is in a favourable position are helping the enemy,” Trump wrote, adding that Iran “should not have any reason for hope.”
Trump also intensified his rhetoric against sections of the American press, calling some journalists “cowards” who were acting against their own country. He further stated that only “losers, ingrates, and fools” could argue against the United States during a time of conflict.
According to media sources, many high-level officials in the Trump administration have also criticized the US media for its unfavourable coverage of the administration’s policies regarding the war.
On the other hand, CNN also reported that Trump had directed the US Department of Justice to send subpoenas to reporters covering the Iran crisis in order to identify confidential sources for leaks of information.
It is being stated by political commentators that the relations between Trump and major US media institutions have once again become strained, especially in light of growing criticism against the administration’s policies and strategy abroad.
The latest statements will likely contribute further to the debate in the capital regarding press freedom and the role of the media during times of war.
