Latest update:08 Apr 2026 at 1:47 PM IST

From “power brokers” to inflation jokes, the Internet turns high-stakes diplomacy into a meme-fest

One of the most widely shared memes featured Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby from the popular show Peaky Blinders, portraying Pakistan as a calm and meticulous strategist who deals with both sides. (Image credits: X)

Pakistan’s intervention as a mediator between the US and Iran unleashed a torrent of memes online, with people quick to use pop culture references and humor to make sense of the situation across social media.

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, just hours before the deadline set by US President Donald Trump to “obliterate” Iran with military action against Tehran expired.

Talks between the two countries are now scheduled to take place in Pakistan later this week, a development that quickly caught the attention of the internet. The announcement not only sparked curiosity but also sparked a wave of humor online, as social media users flooded X with memes focusing on Pakistan’s unexpected role in the negotiations.

One of the most widely shared memes featured Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby from the popular show Peaky Blinders, portraying Pakistan as a calm and meticulous strategist who deals with both sides. Another meme likened the country to a “wedding broker,” trying to ease tensions between two feuding families while quietly ensuring everything stays on track.

Shahbaz Sharif, who served as mediator, said that Islamabad is open to hosting delegations from both sides for talks aimed at reaching a “final agreement.” The reactions gained further momentum after the United States and Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire ahead of the deadline set by Donald Trump, and Pakistan is now preparing to host the next round of discussions.

Read also: Rockets and memes: Travel jokes flood Instagram amid the war between the US, Israel and Iran

Of course, the internet didn’t stop there, here are some more memes that will get everyone talking.

Some users compared the situation to a group chat administrator trying to prevent two members from escalating a fight, while others joked that Pakistan was acting like a “referee in a heavyweight boxing match.” Some memes have depicted it as a classic mediator scenario – “mediator energy” – in which Pakistan is caught between two powerful players trying to reach an agreement.

Many users also reacted with skepticism and humor about the ceasefire itself. “If it is based on these two things, then I request everyone that there should be no ceasefire. Don’t let your guard down,” one user wrote, while another asked: “Is a poor country like Pakistan now superior to India in foreign policy?”

Much of the humor tended to be sarcastic. One widely shared Indian comment read: “Company ka diwala nikal gaya phir bhi munafe me chal rahi hai,” which roughly means “Company has gone bankrupt, but is still somewhat profitable,” mocking what users saw as inconsistencies in Pakistan’s stance.

The Strait of Hormuz angle also didn’t escape the internet. While reports indicated that Iran would allow passage under certain conditions, users joked about Pakistan suddenly taking over “traffic management duties” on one of the world’s most sensitive trade routes.

Others brought it back to everyday life. “Great, now can we get a ceasefire on inflation as well?” reads one viral comment, and it captures the mood of people who see global tensions spilling over into their costs of living.

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