Ex-Pakistani PM Blames US and Iran's Hardline Stances for Stalled Middle East Conflict Resolution

The ongoing Middle East conflict remains unresolved due to the uncompromising negotiating positions of both the United States and Iran, according to a former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar stated in a rare interview from Islamabad that maximalist approaches serve as significant obstacles. "I think both sides probably choose to remain maximalist, and that is the prime reason for [a lack of] progress on this account when it comes to the resolution of the conflict," he explained.

Disagreements between the US and Iran encompass the scope and timing of commitments to end the war, including the lifting of the US blockade on Iran’s seaports, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief for Tehran, and guarantees for a cessation of hostilities across the region. Pakistan had facilitated high-level diplomatic engagements between Iranian and US officials in Islamabad following the commencement of US-Israeli operations against Iran in February. Although a plan to end the war was agreed upon in June, the conflict persisted at a reduced intensity. Mediators, including Pakistan, have since been urging both parties to resume negotiations amidst a stalemate.

Mr. Kakar, who served as Pakistan's acting prime minister before the current incumbent Shehbaz Sharif took office in March 2024, emphasized Pakistan's primary objective: preventing the resumption of military conflict. He expressed uncertainty about achieving this goal, stating, "Whether we would be able to achieve that or not, that needs to be tested in probably few days or weeks from now." He also noted that recent US withdrawals of diplomatic staff from the region could signal preparations for renewed military strikes by the US and Israel, which he deemed an unfavorable development.

Pakistan, already grappling with economic strain from war-induced energy price spikes, faces further pressure from renewed fighting. The nation of 260 million has already experienced significant fuel price increases due to the surge in global oil prices. "It would hit us badly," Mr. Kakar warned, anticipating adverse economic impacts on inflation and commodity prices if escalation continues.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have indicated renewed military operations against Tehran. Mr. Netanyahu stated, "There is only one way to remove this threat once and for all: overthrow the regime in Iran." US media have reported on preparations for renewed strikes, though Washington has ruled out action before the US midterm elections on November 3. Mr. Kakar believes the upcoming Israeli elections will not alter the country's conflict-oriented policies, stating, "With or without Netanyahu, I do not see an alteration of the policies of that sense of continuous conflict with the region."

Pakistan, alongside Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and European counterparts, has urged parties to the conflict to de-escalate. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in meetings in Istanbul where this message was conveyed. Islamabad has actively sought to maintain diplomatic channels, with military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visiting Tehran to meet senior Iranian officials, including National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaei and Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Mr. Ghalibaf reportedly informed Mr. Munir that the US must meet seven conditions, including an end to military operations and the release of frozen assets, to gain Tehran's trust, according to Nour News.

Mr. Kakar described Tehran's seven-point proposal as a