Islamabad (GNP): Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has affirmed that substantive diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran is already underway, with Pakistan playing a central and trusted mediatory role.
Responding to evolving developments in the Gulf, Ambassador Khan stated that Pakistan has moved beyond a traditional facilitative role to emerge as the lead mediator in the ongoing diplomatic process. He noted that this role has received wide international endorsement, including support from regional actors and major powers such as China, underscoring Islamabad’s growing diplomatic credibility.
“Talks are necessary even as hostilities persist,” he emphasized, adding that diplomacy must continue in parallel with military developments to prevent a prolonged and destabilizing conflict. He cautioned that while both sides maintain maximalist positions, sustained engagement remains essential to eventually secure a ceasefire and transition toward structured negotiations.
Addressing skepticism surrounding the authenticity of dialogue efforts, Ambassador Khan clarified that despite the absence of formal public confirmations from all parties, credible backchannel communication is taking place. He pointed out that senior officials, including U.S. interlocutors, have acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating these exchanges, reinforcing the legitimacy of the process.
He observed that the current situation is marked by simultaneous escalation and diplomacy, with military deployments and strategic signaling shaping negotiating positions. However, he warned that intensification of hostilities—particularly around critical flashpoints such as the Strait of Hormuz—could undermine fragile diplomatic gains and complicate mediation efforts.
Highlighting the broader geopolitical context, Ambassador Khan noted that domestic pressures within key countries, including economic strain, public discontent, and rising global energy prices, are pushing stakeholders toward seeking a diplomatic exit. He stressed that disruption in oil and gas supply chains has made the conflict not only a regional crisis but a global economic concern.
He further explained that initial engagement is likely to take the form of proximity talks, given the deep trust deficit between Washington and Tehran. Direct negotiations, he noted, would require the gradual building of confidence through sustained intermediary efforts.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Khan expressed cautious optimism, stating that while the path to peace remains complex and fraught with challenges, Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy—supported by regional and international partners—holds significant potential to steer the crisis toward de-escalation and eventual resolution.
