Pakistan’s efforts put the US-Iran peace process on track: Masood

Former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan has said that Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic engagement has played a pivotal role in bringing the United States and Iran to the negotiating table, expressing confidence that despite periodic tensions and public disagreements, both sides remain committed to pursuing a negotiated settlement rather than returning to war. Speaking in a television interview, he said Pakistan had worked diligently and discreetly with both Washington and Tehran to create the diplomatic space necessary for negotiations. While acknowledging that disagreements persist over the implementation of the emerging framework, he stressed that the overall process remains on course and should continue to receive international support. Sardar Masood Khan identified three immediate issues requiring resolution before negotiations can move to more sensitive matters such as the nuclear agreement and the lifting of sanctions. These include governance arrangements relating to the Strait of Hormuz, the release and utilisation of Iran’s frozen financial assets without restrictive conditions, and the continuation of Iran’s oil exports during the negotiation period to support economic recovery. He noted that once these issues are addressed, technical and legal negotiations on nuclear verification mechanisms, sanctions relief, and Iran’s reintegration into the international financial and banking systems could advance more smoothly.