‘Victory of diplomacy’: Pakistan credits dialogue for US-Iran truce in CNN interview

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said on Wednesday that Islamabad played a constructive diplomatic role in efforts leading to the US-Iran ceasefire, describing the development as a success of sustained dialogue and engagement.

In an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson, the envoy said Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach had been underway for weeks and culminated in the announcement of a ceasefire and the initiation of negotiations between the two sides.

“This is a victory of diplomacy and dialogue,” he said, adding that Pakistan has consistently prioritised engagement and peaceful resolution of conflicts. He also expressed gratitude to all parties for placing their trust in Islamabad during the process.

The ambassador acknowledged the role of regional and global partners, noting that coordinated efforts were instrumental in securing the truce and opening the path for talks. He specifically thanked Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar and China, among others, for their contributions.

Highlighting Beijing’s position, he said China had, from the outset, urged restraint and encouraged all sides to pursue diplomatic channels.

Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said Pakistan’s top leadership remained directly involved in the diplomatic push, while stressing that discretion was essential for meaningful progress in negotiations. He noted that reducing public pressure increases the likelihood of reaching a decisive outcome.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s role was that of a facilitator, emphasising that the final decisions rest with the parties directly involved in the conflict.

Referring to Pakistan’s ties with Gulf countries, the envoy said Islamabad remains in close consultation with regional leadership, pointing out that around 5.5 million Pakistanis reside in Gulf states, reflecting deep-rooted bilateral relations.

Expressing optimism about the ongoing process, he said that successful negotiations could have far-reaching implications, adding that peace and stability in the region would positively impact not only the Gulf but also global political and economic dynamics.