Pakistan’s efforts to defuse US-Iran tensions in wider regional interest: ambassador

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has said Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the US-Iran tensions is in the broader interest of the region.

In an interview with Fox News, he expressed gratitude for the trust that both parties placed in Pakistan.

The ambassador said Pakistan has a long-standing history of diplomacy based on peace. “Pakistan’s recent offer is made in good faith and includes other regional countries as well,” he said.

Rizwan said we are keen to advance matters in the broader interest of the region and remain hopeful in this regard. He emphasised that diplomacy is a gradual process that requires time.

The envoy said Pakistan is committed to providing all possible facilitation for result oriented dialogue. However, he said, the responsibility for decisions lies with the parties.

“Pakistan believes in negotiations and diplomacy,” he maintained.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan has already concluded hosting a quadrilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye, represented by their foreign ministers, in a bid to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing Middle East tensions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday also expressed gratitude to brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye for reposing confidence in Pakistan’s sincere efforts for regional peace and stability.

To a query, the ambassador said Pakistan is the country most affected by cross-border terrorism. There is ample and clear evidence of state-sponsored terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, he added.

He also said terrorism against Pakistan is supported and sponsored by India.