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The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) hosted the launch of a special Report titled ‘The U.S.–Iran Confrontation and its Regional Fallout.’ The event was addressed by Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, who attended as the Chief Guest, along with Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors, ISSI, and Dr. Amina Khan, Director, Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA), ISSI, who also spoke on the occasion.
Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, while speaking at the launch of the special Report, appreciated CAMEA ISSI’s efforts in bringing together an important and timely special Report. She described the publication as a wide-ranging assessment of the U.S.–Iran war and commended the diversity of its contributors, noting that it brings together varied perspectives on a highly consequential regional issue. She also appreciated the special Report’s discussion of Pakistan’s mediatory role and observed that Pakistan continues to enjoy the trust of both the United States and Iran, enabling it to play a constructive diplomatic role. Ambassador Lodhi stressed that regional security cannot depend solely on external actors, as their involvement does not necessarily guarantee long-term stability. She also underscored the importance of greater regional cooperation and highlighted Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia as an important grouping capable of contributing to regional peace and stability. Reflecting on the conflict, she remarked that the agreement which brought the four-month war to an end demonstrated the limitations and ultimate failure of military force in resolving complex political disputes. She observed that while the United States had entered the conflict as a war of choice, for Iran it was an existential struggle. She further noted that the notion that “might is right” had been challenged, arguing that military superiority alone could not achieve political objectives. She added that the United States did not achieve its stated objectives, including regime change or the complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Ambassador Lodhi also noted that although threats and ultimatums were issued by the U.S. President, diplomacy continued alongside the conflict. She raised the broader question of whether the conflict had diminished U.S. dominance in the international system, observing that this remains an important issue for further assessment. She also emphasized that intense diplomatic efforts continued throughout the crisis and ultimately contributed to efforts aimed at de-escalation. She concluded by observing that rising geopolitical tensions are reshaping the international landscape and that the world is passing through a period of considerable uncertainty. She noted that the special Report provides valuable insights into the evolving regional tensions and contributes to a better understanding of the challenges confronting the region.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, said that the Middle East remains central to global peace, security, and economic stability, making the U.S.–Iran confrontation one of the most consequential issues affecting the region and beyond. He noted that the recent Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran represents an important diplomatic opening that has created space for de-escalation, dialogue, and renewed engagement, while highlighting Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating the process. Reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent position that disputes should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to the UN Charter, he said the special Report, is a timely and valuable contribution that provides balanced analysis of the evolving regional security environment. He emphasized that lasting peace and stability in the Middle East can only be achieved through diplomacy, confidence-building, and inclusive regional cooperation, and commended the Director Amina Khan, and the CAMEA team for producing a study that will benefit policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and practitioners.
Dr. Amina Khan, while expressing her views said that the confrontation between the United States and Iran has emerged as one of the most momentous geopolitical developments shaping the contemporary Middle East. What began as a bilateral strategic rivalry has increasingly become a defining factor in regional security, diplomacy, economics, and energy politics, generating repercussions that extend far beyond the Gulf region. She further said that Persistent conflicts, shifting alliances, intensifying geopolitical competition, and evolving economic and security challenges continue to reshape the regional landscape. These developments have far-reaching consequences for international security, regional stability, maritime trade, energy markets, and global diplomacy.
The event concluded with an engaging interactive discussion and question-and-answer session, during which participants exchanged views on the Special Report’s key findings and the evolving regional security environment. Former Foreign Minister Ambassador Inam ul Haq, prominent practitioner Mr. Ziad Allahdad, eminent scientist Mr. Shaukat Hameed Khan, among others, and several contributing authors also took part in the discussion, offering their perspectives on the special Report’s key themes. The event was attended by diplomats, academics, researchers, students, members of the strategic community, and representatives of the media.
