Masood Khan calls for simultaneous lifting of sanctions, blockades to end Iran–US crisis

Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, on Wednesday said the ongoing Iran–United States crisis has reached a critical stage, where mounting military, economic and political pressures on both sides make a negotiated settlement inevitable, though highly complex

MIRPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Apr, 2026) Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, on Wednesday said the ongoing Iran–United States crisis has reached a critical stage, where mounting military, economic and political pressures on both sides make a negotiated settlement inevitable, though highly complex.

In a statement, Khan—who has also served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, China and the United Nations—said that despite the absence of direct talks, backchannel diplomacy remains active. He pointed to ongoing indirect contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, along with repeated assertions by former US President Donald Trump about continued engagement. He noted that Pakistan has emerged as a credible intermediary, particularly as Iran remains reluctant to engage Washington directly.

Khan highlighted the heavy toll of the crisis, noting that Iran’s economy has been severely affected by port blockades and disrupted oil exports, while global markets face volatility with surging oil prices. He said the conflict has expanded beyond a bilateral issue into a broader global economic concern, impacting energy security and financial stability. He also observed shifts in regional dynamics, including the United Arab Emirates reassessing its economic strategies and exploring alternative financial mechanisms amid pressure on Gulf economies.

On the diplomatic front, he said Iran has proposed a synchronized approach, calling for the simultaneous lifting of blockades and economic sanctions before addressing more complex issues such as its nuclear programme. While Washington’s initial response appears cautious, Khan noted that the proposal has not been rejected outright, indicating room for negotiation. He added that both sides are gradually moving toward a “middle ground,” where sequencing, guarantees and verification mechanisms—possibly involving international actors—will be key.

Khan further noted Iran’s engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin likely covers nuclear stockpiles, strategic cooperation and post-war reconstruction, though Tehran has resisted transferring sensitive materials to retain leverage. He emphasized that internal policy differences within both Iran and the United States are typical in complex crises, not signs of instability, and concluded that a resolution hinges on calibrated, simultaneous concessions supported by sustained mediation, with Pakistan continuing to play a pivotal role.

APP/ahr/378