Rick Scott

US Senator Rick Scott has criticised Pakistan's role in efforts to facilitate talks between the United States and Iran, accusing Islamabad of hypocrisy after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

Scott's remarks came after a video of Sharif's tribute to Khamenei at the funeral gained widespread attention on social media, prompting renewed scrutiny in Washington over Pakistan's role in regional diplomacy.

In a post on X, the Republican senator questioned Islamabad's credibility as a mediator.

"We need to remember who Pakistan really is in the middle of all this.

We’re talking about a country where bin Laden hid out for a decade, where they selectively enforce lopsided blasphemy laws to persecute Christians, and where the Prime Minister just praised the genocidal mass murdering tyrant that used to run Iran.

They’re no better qualified to “mediate” this than the Hamas-harboring Qataris.

Islamabad should take note; we’re watching closely."

Scott's comments followed reports that Pakistan could host the next round of technical-level talks between US and Iranian officials after the recent ceasefire understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Shehbaz Sharif's tribute to Khamenei

During the funeral in Tehran, Sharif described Khamenei as a leader whose legacy would be remembered across the Muslim world.

"He was a great scholar and leader who showed resilience, courage, patience and vision, and served Iran with utmost dedication and unwavering commitment. Millions of Muslims around the globe will remember him." He also underlined Pakistan's ties with Iran.

"Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries, and our hearts beat together. We will stand together, and we shall march together under all circumstances." The remarks drew criticism from several US conservatives, including Fox News commentator Mark Levin, who questioned Pakistan's involvement in mediation efforts.

"THIS CLOWN WAS ONE OF OUR MEDIATORS WITH IRAN! It seems unimaginable. Let’s get our act together, America."

Not the first criticism from US lawmakers

Scott is not the only US lawmaker to question Pakistan's role. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham had earlier expressed reservations over Islamabad acting as a mediator, citing Pakistan's long-standing position on Israel and its regional policies.

“It has been apparent to me for quite a while that Pakistan as a mediator is more than problematic. Their animosity towards Israel is long standing. It is undeniable that Iranian military aircraft are being housed on Pakistani air bases and past rhetoric from the highest Pakistani officials against Israel is disturbing.”

Referring to Pakistan's stance on the Abraham Accords, Graham also said, “As to the defense minister’s comments about the Abraham Accords, saying that Pakistan would never join because they don’t trust Israel: The clip may be a year old, but I fear the sentiment is fresh. In that regard, it is imperative that Pakistan give an answer now to President Trump’s call to join the Abraham Accords.”

Last month, Scott had similarly criticised Pakistan and Qatar, saying, "Qatar and Pakistan have long histories of harbouring terrorists, and right now they seem far more invested in propping up Iran's decades-long terror campaign than achieving a meaningful peace.”

Pakistan could host next round of talks

The criticism comes amid reports that Islamabad is being considered as the venue for the next round of US-Iran technical negotiations. According to diplomatic sources, cited by CNN-News18 Pakistan has emerged as the preferred location for the upcoming meeting between American and Iranian officials as efforts continue to build on the recent ceasefire and advance negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme and broader regional security issues.