Amb. A M Shahid (Former Diplomat): I think it is a confidence building measure as the US showed a goodwill gesture by handing the detained Iranian crew to Pakistan for returning to Iran. I think that development reflects that the US wants to improve the situation with Iran. Pakistan especially, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have played key role in de-escalation between the US and Iran. Now we can incur that prevailing situation in the region may move towards peace. It was a dangerous war as over one lac Iranian buildings were destroyed including a university. Similarly, Iranian response was also very strong as Iran targeted Israeli and US defence sites. At present, all the peace efforts are being made through back channel. However, confidence building measures indicate that situation will move towards the peace. But at the same time, situation is at a crucial juncture because both the US and Iran want to end the war with a victorious narrative. We hope that peace efforts by Pakistani leadership will produce positive results and Iran and the US will return to peace.

Amb. Haroon Shaukat (Former Diplomat): Returning of the Iranian vessel crew members by the US to Pakistan is a good development. This development also highlights Pakistan’s role as Pakistan has played magnificent role in mediation between the US and Iran. In the larger perspective, Israel may desire some sort of confrontation between Iran and GCC countries. In the meanwhile, President Trump has also come up with new proposals for Iran talks and Iran has also offered a lot from its side. Iran has accepted three-tiered proposals. Iran has lost a lot due to confrontation with the US because Iran’s lifeline Strait of Hormuz is blocked as most of Iranian terminals are located at Hormuz. Bulk of Iranian trade is carried out via sea. Return of Iranian vessel crew will be welcomed in Iran as a positive gesture by US. Arab media reports that Iran has also agreed to several key proposals. I think that GCC wants a stable and peaceful Iran and it is a guarantee against any misadventure of Israel. It is in the interest of GCC to check Israeli intervention into the region.