Ambassador Masood warns of imminent US–Iran military confrontation but sees diplomatic window for de-escalation

2026-02-03 - 23:26

Ambassador Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, cautioned that the situation between the United States and Iran is extremely tense, with a real risk of direct military confrontation, as Washington has visibly demonstrated its military presence in the region and positioned itself in a manner that directly targets Iran. Ambassador Khan noted that Iran has made it clear that in the event of an attack, it would respond forcefully and comprehensively, striking U.S. military installations across the region, including air bases in Qatar, naval facilities in Bahrain, and positions in Iraq and Jordan. He described the situation as fast-developing and highly volatile, with escalation risks that extend far beyond the immediate protagonists. At the same time, Ambassador Khan pointed to a modest but significant ray of hope that has emerged over the past 48 hours. He said that diplomatic channels between the United States and Iran appear to have been activated, with intermediaries working intensively to explore the possibility of a negotiated outcome, particularly on the nuclear issue. Referring to recent statements by senior Iranian figure Ali Larijani, a close aide to the Supreme Leader, and parallel signals from President Donald Trump, Ambassador Khan observed that diplomacy seems to be back in motion, and there is reason to hope that it may succeed. He warned, however, that the alternative—open and sustained confrontation—would be damaging not only for Iran, but also for the Gulf states and the United States itself, with severe political, economic, and security consequences for the wider region. Outlining Washington’s negotiating position, Ambassador Khan recalled that U.S. demands, as articulated in earlier talks led by Mr. Witkoff in June 2025, centered on four core conditions: a complete halt to uranium enrichment; the transfer of Iran’s entire stockpile of approximately 2,000 kilograms of enriched uranium, ranging from 4 to 60 percent enrichment; significant curbs on Iran’s missile program, including ballistic and hypersonic capabilities; and the dismantling of Iran’s allied networks in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, particularly its links with the Houthis. Ambassador Khan said Iran has indicated willingness to engage on nuclear-related aspects but has firmly rejected discussions on its missile program and regional alliances, which it views as essential components of its national defense. —PR