Islamabad: Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States remain active and ongoing, according to Sardar Masood Khan, former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Khan highlighted Islamabad’s sustained negotiations with Tehran, focusing on regional security concerns and the advancement of dialogue between the two nations.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan elaborated in a television interview on the significance of Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran. This visit, he stated, was pivotal in reinforcing Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives and dispelling perceptions that other regional players had taken over the mediation process. Discussions with Iranian leaders centered around two primary issues: the potential for negotiations between Iran and the United States, which remain hindered by differing demands and prerequisites for dialogue, and regional security matters, particularly concerning Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Khan noted that the Iranian leadership maintained firm positions on issues such as nuclear matters and economic sanctions, demanding an end to what they termed a nuclear siege, adherence to existing commitments, and the removal of additional sanctions before initiating nuclear negotiations. While some Iranian statements were firm, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s tone was seen as more constructive, offering context for Tehran’s negotiation approach despite ongoing differences.
Regional security discussions included Pakistan’s commitment under the Makkah alliance to support Saudi Arabia’s defense against potential Houthi threats. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, had previously shown openness to mediation concerning regional tensions with Saudi Arabia, though the Iranian response to Pakistan’s recent concerns about the Houthis has not been publicly disclosed.
Khan also commented on remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating that U.S. relations with Pakistan and India are not necessarily zero-sum. He emphasized the strategic significance of Pakistan-U.S. relations, independent of U.S.-India ties, noting complications in U.S.-India relations and recent American statements that counter the notion that closer U.S.-Pakistan ties are detrimental to India.
In conclusion, Sardar Masood Khan underscored the necessity of maintaining diplomatic momentum and regional stability through continued engagement with Iran and the United States, highlighting diplomacy’s critical role in resolving complex international disputes.