ISRAEL`S strikes within Iran have triggered a regional and global crisis. For Pakistan, the attack has implications for both internal stability and its geopolitical dynamics, especially in view of Islamabad`s strengthening ties with Washington. The visit of army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to America to attend the US Army`s 250th anniversary celebrations is a reflection of the evolving nature of Pak-US relations.

The Trump administration had been celebrating its role in mediating a ceasefire between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan when Israel launched an attack on Iran`s nuclear facilities, allegedly over suspicions that the country was covertly developing nuclear weapons. The attack is likely to have an impact on negotiations between the US and Iran, as it becomes clear that one of Israel`s motives behind its action was to derail the nuclear-related talks.

The dynamics of the Israel-Iran conflict are not the same as those in South Asia. But it is widely believed that Israel would not have taken such a step without the consent, or at least the tacit approyal, of the Trump administration. As noted by academic Vali Nasr in a social media post, this has raised questions about Washington`s involvement.

Many observers are now viewing the recent visit of the Pakistani army chief through the same lens, with speculation mounting around the timing of Washington`s praise for Pakistan, hinting at deeper engagement behind the scenes. Speculations suggest that the US wants to isolate Iran and is considering Pakistan`s probable role in this context.

If Israel had struck Iran with America`s consent, it would have damaged President Donald Trump`s image as a so-called global peace-broker, particularly in light of his self-attributed success in mediation between Russia and Ukraine and the recent India-Pakistan de-escalation.

Since Gen Zia`s regime, Pakistan-Iran relations have gone through several rough patches.

However, ties began to improve following a brief stand-off in January 2024. Over the past year and a half, both heads of state and the top military leadership have exchanged visits, signalling a thaw in relations.

In addition to avoiding further confrontationwith Pakistan, Iran has chosen to develop defence ties even as progress on the long-delayed IranPakistan gas pipeline remains static. Despite the complexity of the deal and concerns that Iran might pursue international arbitration against this country, Tehran, it appears, has opted to prioritise broader economic and strategic aims through this project in view of its efforts to expand its influence. These efforts have begun to show signs of effectiveness.

Notably, last year, Iran participated in the Indus Shield exercise, a major multinational aerial drill organised by the Pakistan Air Force.

Earlier this year, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, Major-Gen Mohammad Bagheri, who was killed in the Israeli strike on June 13, also visited Pakistan. More recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif included Iran in visits to Central Asia, following a four-day stand-off with India, expressing gratitude for their support during a difficult period.

A major unresolved issue between Iran and Pakistan is counterterrorism. Baloch insurgents, secular and Islamist, continue to operate along their shared border, using territory on both sides to launch attacks. Although the issue has been discussed repeatedly at official levels, militant groups continue to test the resolve of both countries. This has led to mutual suspicions, with each side seeing the other as harbouring or supporting hostile elements.

In contrast, counterterrorism cooperation has become a point of convergence between Pakistan and the US. During a congressional address, President Trump praised Pakistan`s role. Just recently, the head of the US Central Command, Gen Michael Kurilla, described Pakistan`s counterterrorism collaboration as `phenomenal` during a hearing of the US House Armed Services Committee. Highlighting Islamabad`s effective operations against IS-K, he noted: `Through this exceptional partnership, Pakistan has targeted DaeshKhorasan [IS-K], killing dozens of militants.

Reportedly, India, a close strategic partner of the US, was surprised at this shift in tone. Despite their deep defence, strategic, and economic ties, the changing US posture, especially after the Israel-Iran confrontation, suggests thatWashington is seeking a more engaged and neutral role for Pakistan in the evolving regional context.

There has also been speculation that Pakistan is attempting to balance its strategic relations between China and the West. In this context, America`s recent outreach is being viewed as an effort to re-engage Pakistan in a more constructive manner.

While geopolitics often invites speculation, it is quite clear that Pakistan has exhibited consistent commitment to countering all forms of transnational terrorism, particularly along the Afghan border. This has significantly boosted its image as a capable and credible counterterrorism partner on the global stage.

Beyond the strategic consequences of the IranIsrael conflict for the Middle East or America`s global standing and Pakistan`s navigation of regional geopolitics, the conflict has stirred public sentiment within the country, mainly along sectarian lines. This is especially troubling for a country that has only recently brought sectarian violence under some control, although vulnerable areas remain, particularly in Kurram district.

Social media was flooded with pro-Iranian and anti-Iranian posts just after the Israeli attacks on Iran. Though no significant activity has erupted on the streets so far, the possibility of this happening cannot be ruled out in the coming days.

Pakistan`s security institutions will, in all probability, closely monitor the situation to assess both internal security risks and potential geopolitical spillovers. At the same time, the state may be seeking ways to position itself as a relevant actor in the crisis.

However, there may once again be a gap between state strategy and public sentiment.

From the First Gulf War to Israel`s repeated brutality in Gaza, Pakistan`s official response has remained cautious, balancing its ties with all major player s in the region, including Iran, Israel, the US, and the Gulf states.

Let`s see how effectively it will manage this balance, particularly between geopolitics and public sentiments. • The writer is a secuáty analyst.