Pakistan, Iran explore renewed US talks through China-backed diplomatic effort
Sources say Islamabad discusses possible mediation as regional tensions and continued fighting complicate prospects for negotiations
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Pakistan is exploring the possibility of helping revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their nearly five-month conflict, with the latest diplomatic initiative receiving support from China, according to Pakistani sources familiar with the discussions.
The exploratory contacts took place during Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni’s recent visit to Islamabad, his second trip to Pakistan within 10 days.
During the visit, Momeni met senior Pakistani officials, including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to official statements issued by Islamabad.
Officials familiar with the discussions cautioned that significant obstacles remain before any formal negotiations between Washington and Tehran can resume.
Pakistan’s mediation efforts come as regional tensions continue to escalate. The recent naval blockade announced by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia has complicated Islamabad’s diplomatic position, given Pakistan’s close strategic relationship with Riyadh and its strong economic ties with Beijing.
Pakistani officials have publicly condemned attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, while also seeking to maintain constructive relations with neighboring Iran as well as China, which has encouraged renewed diplomatic engagement to reduce instability across the Middle East.
Sources said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the emerging diplomatic initiative with Chinese officials during his visit to Beijing last week.
China later confirmed it supports mediation efforts undertaken by Pakistan and other regional partners, saying it remains committed to helping restore stability in the Gulf region.
China has substantial economic interests in maintaining secure maritime trade routes. Continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea has affected regional shipping and energy supplies, creating additional incentives for diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities.
Beijing remains Iran’s largest trading partner and the principal buyer of Iranian crude oil despite international sanctions imposed on Tehran. China has also maintained broader economic and technological cooperation with Iran while repeatedly calling for a negotiated political solution to the conflict.
Pakistan’s current efforts build on previous mediation attempts. Earlier this year, Pakistan and Qatar helped facilitate indirect understandings between Washington and Tehran that were intended to create a framework for broader negotiations.
Those efforts ultimately failed to produce a lasting agreement, with both sides accusing each other of violating commitments before fighting resumed.
The latest escalation has further complicated diplomacy. Recent attacks targeting Saudi-linked shipping have heightened regional security concerns and increased pressure on mediators seeking to restart negotiations.
One Pakistani official said that ending attacks against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states has become a necessary condition before meaningful negotiations between the United States and Iran can resume.
According to the official, Islamabad has conveyed that position directly to Iranian authorities as part of its ongoing diplomatic contacts.
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