WASHINGTON: Pakistan is acting as a neutral facilitator in ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, which are set to begin in Islamabad on Saturday, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has said,
Speaking during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker on Saturday, the envoy said that intensive diplomatic engagement was underway in relation to the Iran–US ceasefire arrangement and the broader peace talks hosted in the Pakistani capital.
#Pakistan’s Ambassador to the #UnitedStates, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, on the #Islamabad Talks #IranWar pic.twitter.com/PXXvS5si1I
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He noted that discussions in Islamabad were progressing in a “constructive spirit,” reflecting cautious optimism among the participating sides.
Ambassador Sheikh emphasised that Pakistan’s role remained strictly facilitative, in line with its long-standing diplomatic tradition of supporting dialogue and de-escalation in regional conflicts. He added that the responsibility for reaching a final settlement rested entirely with the concerned parties.
He further said Pakistan had received encouragement and cooperation from several regional partners during the diplomatic process, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and others, underscoring broader international interest in stabilising the situation.
The envoy stressed the importance of continued dialogue, stating that diplomacy must be given “its fullest opportunity” to achieve meaningful progress at this critical stage. He also noted that both Pakistan and the wider international community were hopeful for a peaceful resolution.
The remarks come amid ongoing negotiations in Islamabad following a recently brokered ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. The talks reportedly focus on key issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile capabilities, sanctions relief, and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington has proposed a 15-point framework addressing enrichment limits and regional security concerns, while Tehran has submitted a counter-proposal emphasising sovereignty over the strategic waterway, sanctions relief, and reduced foreign military activity in the region.
The international community has broadly welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic involvement, viewing Islamabad’s facilitation role as a constructive step towards reducing tensions and advancing a negotiated settlement.
