Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh emphasizes that the responsibility for reaching a settlement rests with the concerned parties themselves.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has said that intensive diplomatic efforts are currently underway concerning Iran–US tensions, the recent ceasefire arrangements, and the ongoing negotiations in Islamabad.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker on April 10, 2026, the envoy noted that high-level diplomatic engagement has been ongoing in connection with both the ceasefire and the broader talks process.
He said Pakistan has “maintained its long-standing positive tradition” by actively supporting diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Sheikh further noted that Pakistan received cooperation and backing from several regional partners during the process, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and others.
Referring to the ongoing talks in Islamabad, the envoy said a “constructive spirit” was evident among the parties involved in the negotiations.
He emphasized that dialogue and mutual understanding could help resolve the issues under discussion.
Pakistan, he said, is primarily acting as a facilitator, while the responsibility for resolving outstanding matters rests with the concerned parties themselves.
The ambassador added that both Pakistan and the wider international community are expressing hope for a peaceful outcome.
He further stated that diplomacy must be given the fullest opportunity at this stage to achieve meaningful progress.
The Middle East conflict reportedly began on February 28 after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes that targeted Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure and led to the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, resulting in more than 2,000 fatalities over five weeks.
In response, Tehran escalated operations across the region, disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and launching strikes on Israeli territory as well as US military bases across the Gulf.
The confrontation between Washington and Tehran eventually ended on April 8, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a two-week ceasefire agreement.
The US-proposed 15-point framework for peace talks includes issues such as Iran’s enriched uranium, ballistic missiles, sanctions relief, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, meanwhile, has submitted a counter 10-point proposal calling for greater control over the strategic waterway, transit tolls, an end to regional military operations, and a comprehensive lifting of sanctions.
The international community has widely welcomed Pakistan’s role in facilitating the ceasefire, with several countries expressing support for Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and advance peace negotiations.
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