Beijing supports Islamabad’s diplomatic initiative to revive stalled US-Iran negotiations amid concerns over regional trade routes and Gulf stability.
ISLAMABAD: China has intensified diplomatic efforts to support the revival of stalled United States-Iran negotiations, with Pakistan emerging as a key mediator in attempts to ease tensions and restore stability in the Middle East, according to a Reuters report citing informed sources.
The renewed diplomatic initiative comes as concerns grow over disruptions to vital maritime trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, which are critical to global energy supplies and international commerce.
Iranian Minister Holds Talks in Pakistan
According to the report, preliminary discussions on restarting US-Iran negotiations took place during the recent visit of Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to Islamabad. The visit marked his second trip to Pakistan within the past 10 days.
Momeni, who is regarded as being close to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), held meetings with senior Pakistani officials to discuss regional security and diplomatic cooperation, according to official government statements.
Pakistan Emerging as a Key Mediator
Pakistan is playing an increasingly significant diplomatic role as efforts continue to revive dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Officials familiar with the discussions said Islamabad is working closely with regional and international partners to help facilitate negotiations aimed at reducing tensions following months of conflict.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also discussed the latest Middle East peace initiative with Chinese officials during his recent visit to Beijing.
China Seeks Stability for Regional Trade
According to officials cited in the Reuters report, China is encouraging diplomatic engagement because prolonged instability threatens key trade corridors that are central to Beijing’s economic interests.
One official said China is concerned that continued conflict, including attacks affecting Gulf states and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, could negatively impact energy supplies and commercial shipping. Any further instability in the Red Sea would also affect another major trade route relied upon by China.
Beijing Voices Support for Mediation
In a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and expressed support for dialogue.
“China supports the mediation efforts made by Pakistan and other parties,” the ministry said.
It added that Beijing would continue to play “an active role in restoring peace and tranquillity in the Middle East Gulf region as soon as possible.”
Background to the Negotiations
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in June following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, creating a 60-day framework intended to facilitate negotiations toward a broader and more permanent agreement aimed at ending months of hostilities.
Diplomatic efforts are now focused on reviving that process as regional stakeholders seek to prevent further escalation and restore stability across the Gulf.
