Amid rising tensions and a proposed U.S. naval blockade targeting Iran, Pakistan has unveiled a new trade corridor linking Gwadar to Central Asia via Iranian territory. The move, positioned as an economic boost, comes even as Islamabad plays mediator between Tehran and Washington—raising questions about a strategic balancing act. With shipments already moving toward Uzbekistan, the corridor signals deeper regional connectivity while potentially undercutting U.S. pressure tactics in the Strait of Hormuz crisis.