Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States (US), Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, appeared on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ on Friday to discuss Islamabad’s role in the negotiations between Iran and the US. 

 

During the interview with Kristen Welker, Sheikh confirmed that high-level diplomatic efforts are currently focused on the ceasefire and the negotiation process hosted in Pakistan.

 

The Ambassador stated that Pakistan is "fundamentally playing the role of a facilitator" in the talks. He noted that while Islamabad provides the platform, the "responsibility for resolving pending matters ultimately lies with the relevant parties."

 

The diplomatic push follows a period of heavy conflict that began on February 28, triggered by illegal US and Israeli strikes that targeted Iranian military infrastructure and leadership. The five-week escalation resulted in deaths and disruptions to global shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. 

 

A two-week ceasefire was eventually announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on April 8, bringing a temporary halt to the confrontation.

 

Sheikh told NBC that the sessions in Islamabad have been marked by a "constructive spirit" from both sides. He mentioned that Pakistan is not working in isolation, having received "support and assistance" from regional partners including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. 

 

According to the envoy, the current priority is to "provide full opportunity to diplomacy" to ensure the ceasefire leads to a permanent settlement.

 

The negotiations involve two competing frameworks. The US has proposed a 15-point plan addressing uranium enrichment, ballistic missiles, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

 

Tehran has countered with a 10-point proposal that demands transit tolls in the waterway, an end to military operations in the region, and the lifting of sanctions.

 

The Ambassador maintained that dialogue and mutual understanding are the only ways to resolve these outstanding issues. He highlighted that Pakistan is upholding its "longstanding positive tradition" by mediating the high-stakes discussions. 

 

While the international community has welcomed the pause in hostilities, the success of the Islamabad talks depends on whether Washington DC and Tehran can find middle ground on the points presented.