Opening negotiations was the difficult part, but perhaps the harder task will be converting this diplomatic breakthrough into durable strategic gain.

At a time when the Gulf's two most consequential powers are pulling regional security in opposite directions, the question of where Pakistan plants its flag is not an academic one.

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Pakistan earned respect globally after mediating between the US and Iran, he says.

Pakistan’s diplomats are second to none, and if these states seek to engage this country constructively, a new modus vivendi for the subcontinent can be reached.

Pakistan brokered the US-Iran ceasefire after 100+ days of conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz while the US seized $1B in Iranian crypto assets.

Opening negotiations was the difficult part, but perhaps the harder task will be converting this diplomatic breakthrough into durable strategic gain.