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A new debate has now started regarding Pakistan’s role in holding talks between America and Iran amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. Michael Rubin, senior fellow of the American think tank American Enterprise Institute, has expressed strong objection to this issue. He has clearly said that Pakistan’s mediation can be embarrassing as well as dangerous for America. This statement has come at a time when Pakistan is preparing to hold the second round of talks between America and Iran.

In an article published in Sunday Guardian, Michael Rubin raised serious questions on the role of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan’s past record has not been good and its role has always been associated with controversies. He wrote that Pakistan’s nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan had helped in Iran’s nuclear program and now America is giving the same country a chance for talks. He termed this as wrong and said that this is a way of ignoring past wrongdoings.

Rubin also said that Pakistan is one of those countries in the world where anti-Semitism and anti-America are seen more. He also mentioned the case of Osama bin Laden and said that when the US Army had killed bin Laden, the Pakistan government had expressed displeasure over that action. According to him, trusting such a country is not the right decision. He also raised questions on the decision of US President Donald Trump.

Rubin said that by trusting Pakistan, Trump is repeating the same mistakes which have been made earlier in cases like Afghanistan, Gaza, Syria and Yemen. He says that if America gives the responsibility of negotiations to such countries, then instead of improving the situation, it may worsen. He warned that this would harm America’s image and Pakistan would try to serve its interests by becoming more powerful.

Rubin mentioned India during this period. He said that India should be alert in this situation and understand how Pakistan reached this role. According to him, India could have been a better option for holding such talks. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said that US representatives will reach Pakistan on Monday (20 April 2026) and hold second round of talks with Iran.

He also warned that if Iran did not accept the US proposal, its civilian infrastructure could be harmed. There are also reports that Iran may refuse to participate in this second round of talks. The current ceasefire period is scheduled to end on April 22.