Islamabad: Neither the United States nor Iran is inclined to prolong the ongoing conflict, with diplomatic initiatives currently underway providing a potential pathway to a negotiated resolution, stated Sardar Masood Khan, the former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations.

According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan highlighted that Iran has rejected some of the claims by the United States concerning tanker movements but has not dismissed the possibility of negotiations. Qatar has been notably active in facilitating these discussions, and an Iranian proposal, in an altered form, is anticipated to be revisited in the coming days.

Sardar Masood Khan suggested that the negotiations should not be seen merely as a means to delay. Both Washington and Tehran are experiencing considerable pressures and have motivations to conclude the conflict. He mentioned that President Trump indicated any potential agreement might follow the US midterm elections, with preparations for such an agreement already in progress.

The former ambassador noted that the most challenging issues would involve the economic relief terms Iran seeks, including the release of frozen assets and the lifting of economic sanctions. The United States might address some of these issues indirectly, using intermediaries like Qatar, rather than providing direct concessions.

Discussing the US naval blockade and broader economic pressures on Iran, he explained that Washington is implementing a multi-pronged strategy. Besides the naval actions, he referred to ongoing sanctions designed to limit Iran’s access to international financial systems, aviation, and other economic avenues, which are negatively impacting Iran’s economy and its people’s wellbeing.

He emphasized that the naval blockade remains a crucial pressure tool, as restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz could influence global energy markets and potentially raise oil and gas prices. The United States is unlikely to fully lift such measures until negotiations reach a substantial resolution.

The regional situation remains challenging, but diplomatic opportunities persist. Referring to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s stance, Sardar Masood Khan stated Iran is prepared for both diplomacy and defense in case of further aggression. Iran has also stressed that Yemen’s issues should be resolved internally without external interference.

Sardar Masood Khan concluded that ongoing negotiations, de-escalation, and diplomatic engagement are crucial to preventing further regional deterioration and creating conditions for a lasting political settlement.