New Delhi, April 1 -- With Pakistan pushing for a mediation role in the West Asia conflict which has entered the second month, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has said that Islamabad has been chosen as a messenger for yet another US manoeuvre to keep channels open with Iran and this would not be the first Pakistani role in transmitting secret messages to a US adversary.

In an interview with ANI, Ajay Bisaria said the month-long war in West Asia is at a stage where hostilities persist while both sides have presented each other public wish lists of maximalist demands.

"No 'peace talks' can be said to be underway but the US seeks dependable messengers. Having been attacked twice mid-talks in the past year, the Iran...