The Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, has called on all parties involved in the ongoing US-Iran negotiations to act with a sense of duty and historical responsibility, as high-stakes talks get underway in Islamabad.
In remarks to Anadolu Agency, Mahmood said member countries of the D-8 bloc—including Pakistan, Türkiye, and Egypt—have been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation of the conflict involving Iran, supporting a ceasefire, and encouraging a long-term political resolution.
He emphasized that the negotiations between the United States and Iran represent a critical opportunity to de-escalate tensions that have destabilized the Middle East and raised global concerns.
According to Mahmood, weeks of quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy by multiple countries helped pave the way for the current talks, creating what he described as a “critical opportunity” to step back from the brink of a wider regional conflict.
“All sides have a duty and historic responsibility” to ensure that the discussions produce meaningful results, he said, stressing that the stakes are exceptionally high.
The D-8 Secretary-General underscored that the outcome of the Islamabad talks must go beyond temporary arrangements and instead lead to a stable and lasting peace. He noted that while a ceasefire provides immediate relief, it is only a first step toward resolving deeper geopolitical tensions.
Mahmood also warned of the broader global implications of the conflict, particularly for energy markets. He highlighted that ongoing instability poses serious risks to economies heavily dependent on Gulf oil supplies, as disruptions in the region could trigger volatility in global energy prices and supply chains.
“The risks remain very high,” he cautioned, pointing to the fragile nature of the current ceasefire and the potential for renewed hostilities if negotiations fail.
Despite these concerns, Mahmood expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for a breakthrough. He said the willingness of both sides to engage directly is a positive sign and could open the door to more comprehensive agreements if handled with seriousness and commitment.
He urged all parties to approach the talks with sincerity, restraint, and a focus on long-term peace rather than short-term strategic gains.
The Islamabad negotiations, widely seen as the most significant direct engagement between Washington and Tehran in decades, come after weeks of intense conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and threatened to expand across the region.
As global attention remains fixed on the outcome, Mahmood’s remarks reflect growing international pressure on both sides to seize the moment and work toward a diplomatic solution that could restore stability to the Middle East and beyond.
