‘Pakistan’s diplomacy redefines the Iran War’

Qamar Bashir

This is apropos a letter to the Editor titled ‘Pakistan’s diplomacy redefines the Iran War’ carried by the newspaper on Tuesday and yesterday.

Iran’s proposed 10-point peace plan became a critical turning point in this unfolding crisis. While not fully aligned with US expectations, it nonetheless provided a framework for dialogue. Key elements included the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under coordinated oversight, the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen assets, and the establishment of secure transit protocols. Though some demands—such as compensation payments and complete US military withdrawal from the region—were seen as unlikely to be accepted, the proposal itself created diplomatic space where none previously existed.

This initiative allowed the United States to recalibrate its position. By agreeing to a two-week ceasefire, Trump effectively created a face-saving exit from a conflict that had grown increasingly complex and costly. What was initially projected as a swift and decisive campaign had instead evolved into a protracted confrontation with no clear endgame. The ceasefire provided Washington with an opportunity to step back without appearing to concede defeat—a crucial consideration in both domestic and international political contexts.