Pakistan key to Iran-US talks, says Vali Nasr

KARACHI:

Iranian-American academic and political scientist Vali Nasr says the ongoing war between Iran and the United States is not about military superiority but endurance, stressing that Pakistan has played a critical role in facilitating talks and de-escalating the situation.

Speaking on Express24/7's programme "Full Frame" with senior anchorperson Fahd Husain, Nasr laid out the anatomy of a crisis driven as much by timing as by power. "This is not about who has bigger bombs," he said. "It is about who has more endurance and pain tolerance."

At a moment when the Middle East stands on the brink of escalation, even as diplomacy inches towards a possible breakthrough, Pakistan has emerged at the centre of global attention.

Nasr highlighted that Pakistan has played a key role in sustaining dialogue, building trust with Tehran, and coordinating with regional powers. He said the country's involvement has transformed the crisis into a defining moment for Islamabad's diplomatic standing.

"The Pakistanis played a very important role in keeping it going," he noted. "There is no other game in town other than Islamabad," he added, explaining that Pakistan's strength lies in its neutrality.

Nasr described the Islamabad Talks as an unprecedented moment in Pakistan's recent history. "Two or three years ago, we would never have predicted that Pakistan would have this kind of influence," he said.

Reflecting on the latest round of negotiations, Nasr underscored that the 21-hour discussions marked the most substantial direct engagement between the United States and Iran. "The importance of this cannot be overstated," he added.

Despite progress on the diplomatic front, the situation on the ground remains precarious. The ceasefire window is narrow and military pressure continues to build, while Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Nasr, however, offered a more strategic reading of the scenario, suggesting that the blockade of the key waterway responsible for 20% of global oil flow may not simply be escalation but a form of leverage.

Nasr is Professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington. The full interview will be broadcast again on Wednesday at 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm on Express24/7.