New Delhi

As diplomatic developments between the United States and Iran begin to alter the strategic landscape of West Asia, Israel has reiterated its scepticism regarding Pakistan's potential role in regional peace efforts.

Speaking to ANI, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar dismissed suggestions that Pakistan could contribute meaningfully to peace initiatives in the region. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump indicated that Pakistan might have a role to play in ongoing diplomatic processes despite the absence of formal ties between Islamabad and Tel Aviv.

Azar said Israel has little confidence in Pakistan's approach, citing what he described as a history of hostile positions toward Israel. He also referred to remarks made by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which Israel had previously condemned as offensive and unacceptable.

Relations between Israel and Pakistan have long remained strained, with the two countries lacking diplomatic relations and maintaining significant restrictions on official engagement and travel.

Earlier this year, Israel strongly criticised comments made by Asif on social media in which he used harsh language against the Jewish state. Israeli officials argued that such statements undermined Pakistan's credibility as a potential mediator in regional affairs.

The ambassador's comments come amid renewed diplomatic activity following President Trump's announcement of a major understanding with Iran. According to Trump, the agreement includes the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of a US naval blockade, measures he said would contribute to stability and economic activity across the region.

In remarks posted on Truth Social, Trump described the arrangement as a landmark achievement and claimed that previous administrations had been unable to secure a comparable breakthrough with Tehran. He expressed confidence that the agreement would improve regional security and help ease longstanding tensions.

Despite these developments, senior Israeli officials have made it clear that the country's security decisions will remain independent of any external diplomatic arrangement.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stressed that Israel is not obligated to follow agreements negotiated by other countries and would continue to act according to its own national interests. In a post on social media, he asserted that Israel's sovereignty and security considerations remain paramount, regardless of diplomatic understandings reached elsewhere.

Ben-Gvir emphasised that the Israeli government's primary responsibility is to its citizens, armed forces and national security, adding that decisions concerning the country's future would be taken independently.

Trump had earlier announced that negotiations with Iran had resulted in a broad agreement, while also authorising the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of restrictions affecting maritime traffic through the region.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the understanding was achieved after extensive diplomatic engagement. He announced that a formal signing ceremony is expected to take place in Switzerland on June 19 and said the arrangement includes an immediate and permanent halt to military operations across various fronts, including Lebanon.

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Sharif also acknowledged the role played by regional actors, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, in supporting mediation efforts that contributed to the negotiations.