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(SeaPRwire) –   On Monday, the United States initiated a naval blockade aimed at Iranian shipping, significantly heightening tensions in the Gulf region shortly after high-stakes discussions between Washington and Tehran in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

President Donald Trump announced this action following negotiations in Islamabad that failed to yield a breakthrough, despite observers noting the rare direct dialogue between the two adversaries.

However, Lt. Gen. (ret.) Mohammed Saeed, the former chief of general staff of the Pakistan Army, stated in an exclusive interview with Digital that the negotiations were much nearer to a resolution than the final result indicates, and he contends that diplomatic solutions are still attainable.

“Both sides are indicating they were extremely close… within inches of a settlement,” he said, relying on his own insights and intelligence. Saeed retired in 2023 but continued to serve on the core team responsible for operational planning, internal security, and managing sensitive political tensions.

“The discussions were conducted in a very cordial atmosphere. Both parties showed a willingness to accommodate and understand one another. In short, the engagement holds enough promise to be revived.”

During a Monday appearance at the White House, Trump justified the blockade, stating, “Currently, there is no combat. We have a blockade in place… Iran is conducting zero business, and we will maintain this status without difficulty.”

He further claimed that Iran’s military strength had been severely diminished, asserting that “Their Navy is gone, their air force is gone, their anti-aircraft defenses are gone, their radar is gone, and their leaders are gone.”

Vice President JD Vance, who headed the American delegation, urged Iran to adopt a rigid “zero enrichment” strategy and surrender its reserves of highly enriched uranium.

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“The bottom line is we require a clear pledge that they will not pursue a nuclear weapon, nor will they pursue the capabilities that would allow them to rapidly obtain one,” Vance declared at a media briefing in Islamabad.

Iranian officials dismissed these demands, maintaining that any deal must entail the immediate liberation of billions in frozen funds.

With the blockade now active, Saeed proposed that the measure might be intended more as bargaining power than as a military conclusion.

“This blockade could be… a tactic to increase pressure on Iran to come to the negotiating table,” he remarked.

The rise in hostilities has sparked alarm worldwide, especially among nations reliant on energy supplies from the Gulf, such as Pakistan.

“The entire world should be concerned about the negative economic repercussions such a blockade could generate,” Saeed warned.

Saeed, who recently occupied a central role in Pakistan’s military command, characterized the Islamabad discussions as a vital reopening of communication following decades of animosity.

“This marks the first time in 47 years… that there has been engagement at this top tier,” he noted, labeling it “a significant diplomatic achievement” and proof of Pakistan’s capacity to retain trust with both the U.S. and Iran.

He specifically highlighted Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, who has garnered notable interest in Washington.

Trump has publicly commended Munir, once dubbing him his “favorite field marshal,” which has boosted his standing as a crucial mediator in regional diplomacy.

Munir, who advanced through Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus before assuming the role of army chief, formerly directed military intelligence and subsequently led the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His professional life has been marked by extensive participation in regional security and intelligence cooperation, including enduring ties with Iran.

These connections could be decisive in the ongoing standoff, according to Saeed.

“What is not widely known is that during his tenure as director general of military intelligence… he was in constant contact with Iranians at various levels,” Saeed revealed, citing years of direct dealings with Iran’s military, intelligence, and political figures, including the late Qassem Soleimani, the former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander eliminated in a U.S. attack during Trump’s first administration.

“He has maintained relations with them for an extended period… frequently visiting Iran and engaging on numerous issues,” Saeed added, noting that many present-day Iranian officials are already acquainted with Munir from his previous positions.

This continuity, he argued, affords Pakistan a distinct advantage at a time when official diplomatic pathways are under strain.

“It can be said that he remains one of the few international figures with personal connections… within Iran’s intelligence community, its military structure, and among its political leadership,” Saeed stated.

“That is a significant asset he possesses on that side.”

For Pakistan, this personal rapport—coupled with its concurrent ties to Washington—has become essential to its bid to establish itself as a trustworthy mediator, even as the region nears the brink of conflict.

Concurrently, Pakistan’s function as a peacemaker has faced examination, particularly regarding its historical stance on Israel and recent provocative statements by high-ranking officials.

When questioned if Pakistan can act as an impartial broker without recognizing Israel—a party directly involved in attacks on Iran—Saeed minimized the concern, stating that Israel is not a factor in the diplomatic discussions.

“Pakistan’s stance on relations with Israel has remained unchanged since our independence,” he stated, emphasizing that Islamabad’s mediation efforts are strictly between Washington and Tehran.

“Neither of their representatives was present at the table… Pakistan is mediating between the U.S. and Iran,” he clarified.

Notwithstanding the current surge in tension, Saeed insisted that diplomatic avenues are still accessible.

“There is ample room… to restart the process,” he suggested, indicating that negotiations could recommence in Islamabad or another location if both parties alter their approach.

“From Pakistan’s perspective, based on my personal familiarity with the field marshal, they are persistent. They will not concede. They surely have not conceded. They must be maintaining constant contact with both sides. And they will do their utmost to persuade both parties that the blockade serves neither their interests, the region’s interests, nor the interests of the global community.”