Experts stress sustained diplomacy for peace, stability in US-Iran relations

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP):Experts at a webinar organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) have underscored the importance of sustained diplomacy, calibrated restraint and multilateral engagement to prevent escalation and ensure long-term peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.

The webinar, titled “Towards Stability: US, Iran and the Path Forward for Peace,” brought together scholars, analysts and policy experts to discuss the evolving dynamics of relations between the United States and Iran and their implications for regional and global security, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Pechishcheva, delivered the keynote address as the eminent speaker.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies, emphasized that the US-Iran conflict carries far-reaching consequences beyond regional security, significantly impacting global energy supplies, gas flows, fertilizer production, and international food security. He underscored that continued disruptions could trigger severe global economic shocks, including inflationary pressures and potential food crises, making sustained diplomatic engagement and a structured negotiation framework urgently necessary. Ambassador Saleem further highlighted the importance of emerging understandings aimed at restoring stability, including the unblocking of critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, the resumption of shipping flows, and movement toward de-escalation through phased negotiations. He noted that issues such as sanctions relief and regional security guarantees require coordinated international efforts, while acknowledging Pakistan’s role as a facilitator of dialogue and stability in the ongoing diplomatic process.

In her talk, Dr. Pechishcheva provided an in-depth analysis of possible future trajectories in US-Iran relations. She outlined multiple scenarios ranging from a comprehensive “grand bargain” leading to structured nuclear limitations and reintegration of Iran into the global economic system, to a fragile “no-war, no-peace” equilibrium characterized by partial agreements and sustained tensions. She also pointed to a pessimistic scenario where escalation is driven by geopolitical rivalry, economic sanctions, and potential internal instability.

The discussion further highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a critical global energy corridor, where any disruption could significantly affect global oil prices and maritime trade security. The webinar also highlighted that emerging diplomatic frameworks may include phased sanctions relief, partial unfreezing of assets, and renewed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, including enrichment limits and verification mechanisms alongside reciprocal security considerations from key stakeholders.

Towards the end, the event reflected on broader global shifts, including debates around multipolarity and the evolving balance of power, with particular reference to the roles of major international actors in shaping outcomes in the Middle East. The session concluded with a consensus that sustained diplomacy, calibrated restraint, and multilateral engagement remain essential to preventing escalation and ensuring long-term regional and global peace and stability.