Why Pakistan has emerged as a mediator between US and Iran

As fears of a wider regional conflict escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began in late February, Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected mediator, offering to help bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table. Islamabad isn't often called on to act as an intermediary in high-stakes diplomacy, but it's stepped into the role this time, both because it has relatively good ties with both Washington and Tehran and because it has a lot at stake in seeing the war resolved.