City Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) has emphasized sustained diplomacy, confidence-building and regional cooperation to achieve lasting peace between Iran and the United States.
At a discussion titled “The Fragile Framework: Tehran, Washington, and the Terms of Peace,” diplomats and regional experts examined the Islamabad framework and Pakistan’s potential role in facilitating de-escalation.
IRS President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem said the confrontation reflected deeper strategic differences, including the nuclear issue, requiring a comprehensive political settlement. Former ambassador Sardar Masood Khan urged Pakistan to institutionalize its mediation experience and strengthen its peacemaking capacity.
Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding could provide a basis for renewed negotiations, provided the parties demonstrated political will and addressed nuclear concerns, maritime issues, sanctions and economic matters.
Former special representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Asif Durrani proposed phased de-escalation, beginning with ending hostilities and restoring maritime commerce, followed by sanctions relief and verifiable nuclear arrangements.
Ambassador Naela Chohan highlighted Iran’s sovereignty and security concerns, while Ambassador Saeed Khalid warned of potential economic repercussions, including inflation and energy insecurity.
Participants stressed that durable peace required credible implementation mechanisms and sustained negotiations to protect regional stability, trade and economic connectivity.
