Islamabad: Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan, former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has expressed cautious optimism regarding ongoing diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran, stating that recent developments indicate movement toward a possible memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further escalation in the region.
Speaking during an international television interview, Ambassador Masood Khan noted that the past 48 hours had witnessed serious escalation in rhetoric and military signalling from both Washington and Tehran, generating deep concern across the region and global financial markets. However, he emphasized that recent indications from both capitals, supported by independent diplomatic assessments, suggest renewed momentum toward de-escalation and dialogue.
Ambassador Khan described President Donald Trump's decision to pause 'Project Freedom' as a significant confidence-building measure that created diplomatic space for both parties. He observed that while the military and economic dimensions of the conflict remain intense, the pace of diplomacy has accelerated considerably, particularly amid reports that both sides are edging closer to a framework for negotiations.
Highlighting Pakistan's role, Ambassador Khan stated that Islamabad has carried out a delicate and highly demanding diplomatic responsibility by facilitating communication between two adversaries holding deeply entrenched and maximalist positions. He underscored that Pakistan first consolidated support among regional countries before engaging major international actors, including China, the Russian Federation, the European Union, and the European Council. Most importantly, he said, Pakistan continues to enjoy the trust of both Washington and Tehran.
Discussing the contours of the proposed diplomatic framework, Ambassador Khan explained that the discussions are broadly divided into three clusters. The first involves restoration of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of American blockades, coupled with guarantees ensuring uninterrupted maritime trade and energy flows. The second concerns negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, including recognition of Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, alongside a potential temporary moratorium on high-level uranium enrichment. The third cluster relates to the phased lifting of military and economic sanctions and the possible release of frozen Iranian assets.
Addressing concerns over uranium enrichment, Ambassador Khan acknowledged that the issue remains sensitive but suggested that emerging diplomatic flexibility could allow Iran limited enrichment rights for civilian purposes while addressing U.S. security concerns through time-bound restrictions.
He further noted that strong rhetoric from both sides is likely to continue, largely for domestic political signalling and negotiating leverage. Nevertheless, he maintained that both governments appear committed to pursuing diplomacy seriously and methodically.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Khan stated that while technical aspects of a potential agreement are largely understood after multiple rounds of prior negotiations, the decisive factor now remains political will in both Tehran and Washington. He warned that introducing additional contentious issues into the talks could complicate progress, but stressed that pragmatic compromises could still pave the way for a sustainable diplomatic breakthrough.