Former Pakistani Minister of Information and Culture, Mohammad Hussain, emphasized that the chances of achieving a breakthrough in the US-Iran crisis depend on the seriousness of the United States and Israel in reaching an agreement. Hussain pointed out that Iran had previously been willing to sign a peace agreement and made concessions, but it was deceived twice during negotiation processes that ended in military attacks.
In statements to Al Jazeera, Hussain clarified that Tehran does not trust the United States, especially given the close relationship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He considered that any talk of negotiations could be viewed by Iran as a cover for new military actions.
Details of the Current Crisis
Hussain described the current crisis as "very complex," indicating that its essence lies in the lack of trust, particularly with previous experiences where Tehran feels it was deceived. He confirmed that Pakistan, alongside other Islamic countries like Turkey, is striving to build bridges and bring viewpoints closer, based on the conviction that the war must end.
Hussain also noted that Tehran views any new calls for dialogue with suspicion, considering them potentially as "cover for subsequent military actions," especially with the close relationship between Trump and Netanyahu. He explained that Iranians believe the United States might reuse the negotiation track to buy time, making any mediation require clear and serious guarantees to convince Tehran to re-engage in the political process.
Background & Context
In this context, Pakistan emphasized the need for a comprehensive agreement that ends the war and lifts sanctions, rather than merely settling for a temporary ceasefire. Hussain explained that Pakistan acts as a mediator between the United States and Iran by relaying messages between the two sides, amid the deep mistrust that hinders any negotiation path.
Hussain pointed out that Islamabad enjoys good relations with both Tehran and Washington, placing it in a position as a "bridge" between the two. He confirmed that indirect communications between them are currently taking place through Pakistan, alongside efforts from other countries like Turkey.
Impact & Consequences
Hussain warned that the continuation of the conflict would have wide-ranging implications for the global economy, particularly in the fields of energy and trade, stressing that the escalation of war would not yield benefits for any party. He emphasized that ending the war requires addressing the root causes of the crisis rather than merely settling for a temporary ceasefire.
He also noted that the continuation of the war is no longer just a regional issue but has broad international repercussions, affecting the global economy and the energy and trade sectors. He cautioned that escalation could lead to comprehensive losses from which no party would emerge victorious.
Regional Significance
In analyzing the nature of the conflict, Hussain observed that Israel adopts a policy of power and dominance in the region, seeking to reshape the Middle East according to its vision, while Iran represents one of the key parties standing against these trends. Conversely, Hussain firmly ruled out the possibility of the confrontation extending to Pakistan, asserting that Islamabad's military and nuclear capabilities place it outside the targeting circle.
He noted that countries with sufficient deterrent power are not subjected to such pressures. In closing his remarks, Hussain called for the necessity of reaching a comprehensive agreement that ensures the cessation of military operations and the lifting of sanctions on Iran, achieving lasting stability in the region.