MIRPUR (AJK) , (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point news – 5th May, 2026) Former Ambassador, Sardar Masood Khan on Tuesday said Pakistan continued to play a leading mediating role in ongoing “proximity talks” between the United States and Iran, despite rising tensions and complex geopolitical pressures in the Gulf region.
Speaking during a televised discussion, Khan said the crisis was unfolding across military, economic and diplomatic fronts, complicating efforts to de-escalate.
He pointed out that the situation remained fragile despite a tentative ceasefire, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where naval standoffs and disruptions to shipping lanes had increased the risk of escalation.
The former ambassador said Tehran had proposed a range of measures, including sanctions relief, an end to maritime blockades, withdrawal of foreign forces and non-aggression guarantees.
Washington, meanwhile, is seeking limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes as well as its regional alliances, reflecting sharply divergent positions that hinder immediate progress.
He stressed that confidence-building steps, including easing blockades on both sides, were essential to revive substantive negotiations.
Without restoring basic trust, broader agreements would remain out of reach, he added.
Khan said talks had now shifted to a proximity format, with Pakistan facilitating communication and relaying proposals between the two sides.
He rejected suggestions that Islamabad’s role had diminished, adding the diplomatic channels remained active and effective.
Pakistan was also maintaining engagement with key partners, including China and Gulf states, through sustained diplomatic outreach and high-level contacts, he said.
APP/ahr/378
