Islamabad (GNP): Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States and the United Nations, Masood Khan, has stressed that rising tensions between the United States and Iran continue to threaten regional and global stability, warning that any renewed military confrontation could push the entire Middle East towards a dangerous and uncontrollable escalation.
Speaking during a televised interview on the evolving Iran-US crisis, Ambassador Masood Khan said that while there are indications of progress towards a possible agreement, contradictory and aggressive statements from various sides continue to create uncertainty and mistrust. He noted that both Washington and Tehran have repeatedly issued warnings that any fresh attack could trigger a wider conflict extending beyond the immediate region.
Ambassador Masood Khan observed that despite harsh rhetoric, there is growing realization within the international community that continuation of war would have devastating political, economic, and strategic consequences. He stated that even within the United States there are increasing questions regarding the effectiveness and legality of military operations conducted against Iran, adding that sections of the American public and members of Congress believe that the conflict failed to achieve its stated objectives.
Highlighting the regional dimension of the crisis, Ambassador Masood Khan said that Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have remained deeply concerned about the possibility of another war and have consistently urged restraint and dialogue. He remarked that these countries had opposed escalation from the outset, fearing that a broader conflict would devastate regional economies and security structures.
Referring to Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, Ambassador Masood Khan stated that Islamabad has continued to play a constructive and balanced role aimed at reducing tensions and building trust between the concerned parties. He noted that Pakistan’s leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has consistently advocated diplomacy, de-escalation, and peaceful settlement of disputes.
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Commenting on recent diplomatic activity, Ambassador Masood Khan said that Pakistan’s ongoing shuttle diplomacy reflects serious efforts to bridge differences between Tehran and Washington. He explained that these engagements involve both verbal and written exchanges aimed at identifying common ground, building confidence, and creating space for compromise on contentious issues related to sanctions, nuclear enrichment, and regional security.
He further stated that Iran continues to maintain that its nuclear programme falls within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and insists on its right to peaceful uranium enrichment under international law. At the same time, he noted that negotiations remain complicated due to disagreements over sanctions relief, nuclear stockpiles, and long-term security guarantees.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Masood Khan reiterated that wisdom, restraint, and diplomacy must prevail over confrontation, emphasizing that peace in the Middle East is in the collective interest of the entire international community.
