Amb. A M Shahid (Former Diplomat): Pakistan’s diplomatic role has been outstanding throughout Mideast crisis as Pakistan made all out efforts to defuse and deescalate the boiling situation in Mideast. Even today, Pakistan is also making efforts to resolve this situation, but both Iran and US must also show some sort of responsibility and exercise restraint to normalize the situation in gulf region. It is direly unfortunate that both the US and Iran have renewed strikes on each other which has exploded the situation in Mideast. Pakistan gave a very comprehensive and successful framework for peace to both, but both have again started striking each other. Now, obviously, the mediators are not stepping into to cool down tension between the US and Iran; however, Pakistan with the help of China, Qatar and few other friendly countries, is trying to bring both the warring countries to negotiation table. Both Iran and the US have been enemies to each other over decades, so, it is not easy to resolve issues between the both. However, Pakistan made all out diplomatic efforts to bridge differences between the both Iran and the US. President Trump should have not issued inciting statements. The current situation is affecting the whole world and hurting US global stature. Now every country and even every individual is paying heavy price for this escalation in terms of higher fuel and other commodities prices.

 Amb. Wheed Ahmad (Former Diplomat):Entire international community hails Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and diplomacy for bringing peace and order in the region. But, unfortunately, despite agreeing a successful workable ceasefire framework of Pakistan, both the US and Iran committed mistakes after mistakes. Now it seems that both sides don’t want pea in the region. Geographically, the US is very far from Iran and Iran can’t carry out a direct attack on the US. Although, US dollar is gaining importance due to this crisis but it is also a fact that number of countries and blocs have started thinking to shifting to other currencies like BRICS, Euro, or currency swap to avoid use of US dollar in trade payments. Israel does not want peace in the region because Israel finds survival in war and tensions. I think that the US and Iran must be act rationally because war is no solution to any issue. Both sides must on dialogue table to find out ways for peace. However, now it seems both sides are not willing to have talks for bringing peace in the region. Gulf States and Iran are major looser in the tensions. Definitely Israel is benefiting from chaotic situation therefore it is promoting chaotic situation in the gulf farther. Mideast escalation is pressuring developing economies, however, President Trump issues statement that oil prices are coming down in a bid to boost morale of domestic investors and businesses.