Pakistan's role as intermediary in this conflict took many by surprise. But perhaps it shouldn't.
The head of its armed forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is in US President Donald Trump's favour. The US leader frequently refers to him as his favourite Field Marshal and has previously spoken about how Munir knows Iran better than most.
Iran is not only a neighbour of Pakistan, with whom it shares a 900km (559 miles) border, but by its own messages also has a brotherly relationship with deep cultural and religious ties. It also has no US air bases.
Unlike many of the usual intermediaries in the Gulf, Pakistan has not yet been pulled into the conflict. Crucially, it is willing to wade in - peace between the US and Iran by many accounts would be in its interest.
There are concerns about how a country embroiled in conflict with two of its neighbours - Afghanistan and India - has positioned itself as a bringer of peace. The country is currently bombing Afghanistan amidst tensions with India that only last year led to fears of nuclear escalation.
Pakistan has so far walked the tightrope between Iran and the US, passing messages between the two sides, hosting foreign ministers from other concerned Muslim nations, and engaging in diplomatic discussions.
Pakistan is highly dependent on imported oil, much of it coming through the Strait of Hormuz. The continuance of the war could exacerbate economic pressures on Pakistan significantly.
The government's recent hike in fuel prices and measures such as reducing the working week for government employees reflect the strain on the economy.
As tensions grow, public sentiment in Pakistan remains overwhelmingly pro-Iran, which adds another layer of complexity to its mediation efforts.
Despite the high-risk nature of this diplomacy, Pakistan's leaders are attempting to position the country as a pivotal player in the international diplomatic arena, focusing on multi-alignment in response to the changing geopolitical landscape.
