Islamabad: Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and veteran diplomat Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan has cautioned that the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran may lead to a broader regional conflict with severe humanitarian, economic, and strategic repercussions. He emphasized the importance of diplomatic intervention to prevent further deterioration in the Middle East.

According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Ambassador Masood Khan highlighted in a television interview that diplomacy is under significant strain due to ongoing military actions, hostile rhetoric, and a deepening trust deficit between Washington and Tehran. Despite open diplomatic channels, he urged Pakistan, along with Qatar and Oman, to intensify mediatory efforts to foster negotiations and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.

Ambassador Khan expressed concern over military actions and renewed sanctions that have eroded confidence in the diplomatic process, despite initial hopes raised by a Memorandum of Understanding. He warned that potential attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities could lead to disastrous consequences, affecting neighboring states and global markets while undermining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

He also noted the conflict’s impact on global maritime security and energy supply chains, highlighting complexities in the Strait of Hormuz due to security charges and military deployments. Concerns around Bab-el-Mandeb were also mentioned, with potential disruptions threatening international trade and energy prices.

Ambassador Khan emphasized Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagement, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders working with regional and international stakeholders to maintain dialogue and avert a full-scale confrontation. He underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts, given the conflict’s potential impact on global economic recovery and regional stability.

He remarked on Gulf countries’ development of alternative oil export routes, while stressing the irreplaceable strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. He concluded by urging restraint, a return to negotiations, and responsible diplomacy to avoid a more dangerous conflict.