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Pakistan Envoy: US-Iran Peace Talks Complex, But Contacts Active

Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has stated that efforts to facilitate peace talks between the US and Iran are active but will be a difficult and lengthy process. He highlighted initial confidence-building measures, like the movement of ships, as a proof of concept to induce confidence before formal negotiations. The ambassador pointed to significant challenges, including disrupted communication channels within war-torn Iran, which have caused past deadlines to be extended. While Pakistan is playing a facilitator role, Sheikh emphasized that the ultimate responsibility for successful negotiations lies with the US and Iran themselves.

Key Points: Pakistan Envoy on US-Iran Talks: Process Won't Be Easy

  • Pakistan facilitating US-Iran talks
  • Process described as complex and time-consuming
  • Communication channels in Iran disrupted
  • Confidence-building measures underway
  • Responsibility lies with conflicting parties
2 min read

Pakistan Ambassador to US Rizwan Sheikh says Iran peace talks won't be "easy"

Pakistan's US Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh details challenges in facilitating US-Iran peace talks, citing disrupted communications and the need for confidence-building.

"The process will take its own due course... it is actually upon the conflicting parties themselves... to take the decisions which make it successful. - Rizwan Saeed Sheikh"

Washington DC, March 31

Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, in an interview with Fox News has said that the efforts to facilitate US-Iran peace talks are underway, but cautioned that the process will be complex and time-consuming.

Speaking on the network's programme "Special Report", Sheikh highlighted initial confidence-building measures as a step towards negotiations.

"And in terms of the who exactly dealing part we are dealing with is the fact that the confidence-building measure demonstrated in movement of ships that were allowed, eight in the first instance and now another twenty in the second instance, is not just a concept of operation, but a proof of concept that has been implemented to induce confidence in the system, which has to be a prerequisite for commencement of the actual negotiation procedure, but contacts are in place, " he said.

He underscored the difficulties posed by conditions inside Iran, noting disruptions caused in the communication channels by the ongoing conflict.

"Let's look at the fact that Iran is a war-torn country with the communication channels certainly disrupted, and it is not even easy to get responses in a good time from the system that currently is in place there. So you would have noticed that these deadlines have been extended in the past, in recent past, and we are working religiously with regard to the current deadline," he said.

The ambassador added that while Pakistan is playing a facilitating role, the responsibility for successful negotiations ultimately lies with the "conflicting" parties involved.

"The process will take its own due course, and while Pakistan continues to be the facilitator, it is actually upon the conflicting parties themselves to not only create the prerequisites for negotiations and to be able to conduct them in all earnest, but they will have to take the decisions which make it successful," he said.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Pakistani intermediaries, are making "positive progress".

Speaking about the ongoing backchannel diplomacy, Trump said talks are underway through Pakistani "emissaries", though he declined to provide specific details when asked whether a ceasfire deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached in the coming days.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The ambassador is right to manage expectations. These things are never easy, especially with Iran's internal situation. Hope the communication channels improve. A peaceful resolution would be a huge relief for global trade routes.
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Aman W
Interesting to see Pakistan in this role. India has always advocated for diplomacy. Let's see if they can actually deliver or if this is just for international optics. The proof will be in the pudding.
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Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations, this is a complex but crucial mediation. The Strait of Hormuz is a global chokepoint. Any conflict there sends oil prices soaring worldwide. Pakistan's access might be key, but the parties themselves must want peace.
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Vikram M
Trump saying there's "positive progress" and the ambassador saying it's "not easy" and timelines are extended... sounds like typical diplomatic talk. The real test is reopening the Strait. Our shipping and oil imports are watching closely.
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Karthik V
A respectful criticism: While Pakistan's role is noted, the article lacks perspective on India's stance or efforts in the region. We are a major stakeholder too. Hope our diplomacy is also active behind the scenes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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