In what a former senior diplomat has termed a historic breakthrough, arch-rivals the US and Iran are set to begin direct talks in Islamabad, with high-level delegations including US Vice President JD Vance expected to arrive soon.
Former Pakistani ambassador to the US, China and the UN and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Masood Khan today termed the breakthrough an ‘impossible’ achievement, crediting Pakistan’s behind-the-scenes mediation in bringing the long-time foes to the negotiating table after the recent war.
“Even before the war, such engagement was unthinkable. During and after the conflict, it became even more difficult. Yet Pakistan, through sustained diplomatic efforts, made it possible,” Ambassador Khan stated, highlighting that Islamabad”s intervention was instrumental in securing a temporary ceasefire.
He noted that Pakistan has now emerged as a trusted venue for dialogue on complex regional security and maritime governance issues.
Despite the landmark engagement, Ambassador Khan urged for measured expectations, pointing to the deep-seated hostility and mistrust between Washington and Tehran. ‘There is no immediate optimism,’ he cautioned, while adding that the agreement to convene demonstrates pragmatism from both sides.
The former envoy confirmed that both the U.S. and Iran have presented extensive agendas, signalling a serious intent to resolve their disputes and establish a framework for a more permanent cessation of hostilities.
Several contentious points are slated for discussion, including guarantees of non-aggression, sanctions relief, nuclear commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the governance of the vital Strait of Hormuz. Ambassador Khan also identified Israel”s regional role as a critical external factor, describing it as ‘the elephant in the room.’
The impetus for the discussions, he observed, stems from war fatigue within the United States and the severe impact the conflict has had on Iran and the wider Gulf region. ‘The region is wounded, and there is a growing realisation that continued conflict serves no one’s long-term interests,’ he said.
The diplomatic initiative was reportedly bolstered by Pakistan”s engagement with regional partners, including Trkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, and through coordination with China under a joint framework that helped formulate the roadmap for the talks.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khan asserted that Pakistan has cemented its credentials as a credible global mediator. While acknowledging the immense challenges ahead, he expressed cautious confidence that Islamabad’s facilitation could help bridge differences and steer the parties toward a peaceful outcome.