Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has taken a sharp dig at Pakistan for hosting US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad. He stated that only Pakistan could play such a role. Tharoor also questioned a social media post by Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif.
New Delhi, April 11, 2026. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked that only Pakistan could play the kind of role it is with the US in hosting talks in Islamabad. The statement comes amid high-level US-Iran peace negotiations there.
Tharoor referred to a viral social media post by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif addressed to Donald Trump. He suggested the post's language and structure indicated Washington's involvement. According to a New York Times report, the appeal was issued after White House approval.
The talks in Islamabad involve US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. They started five hours late due to deep differences and distrust. Pakistan claims to have mediated a positive trilateral start.
Tharoor noted Pakistan's 900 km border with Iran and its large Shia population, linking it to direct stakes. He said escalating conflict could bring refugee pressure on Pakistan. He urged Pakistan to take credible action against terrorism to position itself as a peace broker.
