Pakistan continues to play a delicate role in advancing U.S.–Iran peace diplomacy amid rising tensions: Masood Khan

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th May, 2026) Former Pakistan envoy Sardar Masood Khan on Saturday said that despite recent military escalations in the Gulf region, the peace process between the United States and Iran continues to move forward, with both sides remaining engaged in a sensitive diplomatic effort aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict.

Ambassador Khan observed that recent attacks near Bandar Abbas and Kish Island posed serious risks to ongoing negotiations, warning that the region remains highly volatile and vulnerable to renewed escalation. Iran and the United States are presently “sitting on a pile of explosives,” where even a minor spark could reignite a broader confrontation, he said in an interview.

Ambassador Khan noted that alongside military tensions, an intense communication and psychological war is also underway. Referring to statements by Iranian negotiators and narratives emerging in American media, he said both sides are attempting to shape public opinion, influence international markets, and maintain negotiating leverage during this critical phase. He added that fluctuations in oil and gas prices remain closely tied to developments in the diplomatic process.

Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic role, Ambassador Khan stated that Islamabad continues to enjoy the confidence and trust of both Washington and Tehran and is carefully facilitating efforts aimed at preserving dialogue and preventing the collapse of negotiations.

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He emphasized that Pakistan has undertaken this responsibility with caution, balance, and strategic patience.

Discussing the contours of the proposed diplomatic framework, Ambassador Khan explained that the evolving understanding between the two sides broadly revolves around several key areas. These include restoration of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, easing of military and economic restrictions, and the establishment of a proposed thirty-day period for resolving disputes related to Iran’s nuclear programme.

He further noted that Iran seeks guarantees against future attacks by the United States and Israel, while also demanding the removal of economic and military sanctions. He said, discussions are additionally taking place regarding the possibility of a future collective security arrangement involving Iran and Gulf states to ensure long-term regional stability and security.

Ambassador Khan stated that recent limited military exchanges appeared aimed more at testing each other’s thresholds rather than initiating a full-scale war. He observed that both Tehran and Washington appear interested in avoiding another prolonged military confrontation and are instead pursuing a framework for managed de-escalation.