Former AJK President hails Pakistan’s role in US-Iran talks

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2026) Former ambassador and ex-Azad Jammu and Kashmir President, Masood Khan on Monday described recent US-Iran talks held in Islamabad as a “historic chapter in diplomacy,” crediting Pakistan with enabling dialogue amid heightened tensions between the two adversaries.

In a statement issued here, he said the 21-hour marathon negotiations marked a “landmark diplomatic breakthrough,” arguing that both Washington and Tehran opted for engagement rather than escalation despite intense pressure and long-standing disputes.

He said Pakistan’s facilitation played a key role in sustaining meaningful communication between the two sides, even as major differences remained unresolved.

The two issues emerged as Primary sticking points during the discussions — the nuclear framework and governance of the Strait of Hormuz, he pointed out.

He noted that while both delegations issued positive public statements and maintained a constructive tone, no final resolution was reached.

“The talks did not collapse, nor did either side signal a return to full-scale conflict,” Khan said, adding that a temporary ceasefire remained in place, offering what he called a “fragile but crucial window” for continued diplomacy.

“Both parties left Islamabad on a more positive footing than when they arrived. This itself is a success,” he added.

However, Khan cautioned that parallel developments outside the dialogue process could undermine progress. He pointed to threats regarding a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and possible strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure, warning such moves could sharply escalate tensions.

He said any escalation could widen regional instability, deepen the global economic crisis, and potentially draw in major powers, including China, due to its energy dependence on the region.

APP/ahr/378