ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Sardar Masood Khan, former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has stated that Pakistan has successfully laid the diplomatic groundwork for the second round of critical talks between the United States and Iran, positioning Islamabad at the centre of global peace efforts.
He emphasized that despite heightened tensions and mutual accusations of ceasefire violations by both Washington and Tehran, Pakistan remains cautiously optimistic. “Extensive diplomatic engagement has already taken place,” he noted, highlighting the recent visit of Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran, where consultations were held with Iran’s political and military leadership, alongside parallel outreach by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif across key regional capitals.
Sardar Masood Khan underlined that Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy has transformed it from a reactive player into a central mediator. He pointed out that international endorsement, including support from European leadership such as Antonio Costa, reflects growing global confidence in Pakistan’s role as a credible and neutral facilitator.
Addressing the ongoing escalation, he observed that both sides are employing strategic pressure to gain leverage. Iran, he explained, is using the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining tool, while the United States continues its naval blockade to exert economic and military pressure. “This is a classic case of coercive diplomacy,” he remarked, stressing that de-escalation requires immediate confidence-building measures.
He proposed that tangible steps—such as easing the maritime blockade and ensuring free navigation through the Strait—could help rebuild trust and create momentum for meaningful negotiations. “The priority is not to assign blame but to end the war and prevent further escalation,” he added.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Sardar Masood Khan warned that the coming hours are critical for global stability. He stressed that even a preliminary framework agreement in Islamabad could pave the way for a broader, more comprehensive settlement.
He further noted that Pakistan’s leadership is working tirelessly to bring both sides to the negotiating table, despite uncertainty over delegations and shifting positions. “Our immediate objective is to ensure that talks take place, followed by agreement on basic principles and extension of the ceasefire,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Sardar Masood Khan underscored the global stakes involved. “The Strait of Hormuz is not just a maritime corridor—it is the lifeline of the global economy. Any disruption affects energy markets, trade flows, and international security,” he said.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are driven by a singular objective: achieving lasting peace, stabilizing the region, and safeguarding the interests of the international community.
