Muzaffarabad, (Parliament Times) : Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and senior diplomat, Sardar Masood Khan, has stated that despite sustaining some losses, Iran emerged as the strategic victor in the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. He emphasized that the true casualty of the war was peace and regional stability, as the hostilities triggered widespread unrest across the region, fueled an economic crisis, and exposed the United Nations Security Council’s inability to uphold global peace.
Speaking to various media outlets on the post-ceasefire scenario, Khan said, “Iran was subjected to external aggression but exercised its right to self-defense in a highly effective manner.” He added that Iran not only defended its territorial integrity but also inflicted damage on an adversary that had long claimed to be invulnerable behind impenetrable defenses. “Through calculated diplomacy and resilience, Iran averted a full-scale regional catastrophe,” he remarked.
Khan noted that Iran’s response undermined the credibility of Israel’s long-standing defense assertions, particularly its claims of immunity from external threats. In contrast to Israel’s state-of-the-art military—heavily funded and supported by the United States—Iran operated under decades-long economic sanctions and military restrictions, unable even to freely sell its oil. Despite these constraints, he said, Iran demonstrated a robust defense that the world witnessed firsthand.
According to Khan, Iran maintained composure under pressure, countered Israeli military action, and simultaneously engaged in strategic diplomacy with regional powers, especially the Gulf states, and with international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“This multidimensional approach is what sets Iran apart in this confrontation,” he asserted.
Responding to questions about Iran’s nuclear program in the aftermath of the conflict, Khan expressed skepticism about U.S. claims of having destroyed three Iranian nuclear facilities. “The U.S. military leadership has been notably cautious in confirming such claims,” he said, referencing a statement from France that suggested the threat of Iran developing nuclear weapons had actually increased post-conflict.
Khan also warned that the war may lead Iran to reduce cooperation with the IAEA, given that international non-proliferation treaties failed to shield it from military aggression. He cautioned that such developments could trigger a shift in global nuclear policy, with other signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) beginning to question whether their sovereign rights to peaceful nuclear energy are adequately protected.
On the sustainability of the ceasefire, Khan credited Qatar with playing a key mediating role, particularly through the diplomatic efforts of its Emir and Prime Minister if Qatar. However, he said, “The ultimate credit goes to President Donald Trump, who played a paradoxical yet pivotal role.” According to Khan, the United States not only participated directly in the conflict but also positioned itself as a mediator and guarantor of the ceasefire.
“The only true guarantor of this truce can be the United States,” he said, adding, “Any potential breach of the ceasefire would likely come from Israel, and such a move cannot occur without Washington’s consent.” He revealed that President Trump had expressed strong displeasure and reprimanded Israel for a ceasefire violation that occurred shortly after the truce was declared.
Concluding his remarks, Khan expressed cautious optimism that the United States would play a constructive role in ensuring that the fragile peace holds.