Pakistan Explores Reviving US-Iran Talks at China's Urging, Sources Say

Pakistan is exploring a path to resume stalled talks between the United States and Iran, following a diplomatic push initiated by China as regional conflict disrupts critical global trade routes, according to three Pakistani sources familiar with the matter.

Diplomatic Overtures

Exploratory discussions reportedly occurred during a visit to Islamabad by Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, who met with Pakistani government leaders and army chief Asim Munir this week. According to the sources, it was Momeni's second visit to Pakistan in the last 10 days. The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, cautioned that significant obstacles to any formal talks remain.

These efforts follow a visit by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, to China last week, where the new Middle East initiative was also discussed. In a statement, China’s foreign ministry confirmed its position, stating, "China supports the mediation efforts made by Pakistan and other parties" and will "play an active role in restoring peace."

Economic Pressures Drive Mediation

China's interest in de-escalation is largely driven by economic concerns. As Iran's largest trading partner and the primary buyer of its sanctioned crude oil, Beijing's interests are threatened by the ongoing conflict.

Ad

"The Chinese are unhappy because Iran’s attacks on other Gulf states and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are hitting their interests," one Pakistani government official said. The recent escalation by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement, threatening the Red Sea shipping lane, has created another potential chokepoint for Chinese trade.

High Hurdles for Renewed Talks

Previous mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar led to a memorandum of understanding in June, intended to create a 60-day window for negotiations. However, those indirect talks failed to produce an agreement, with both sides accusing the other of violations.

Recent escalations, including a Houthi-declared naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, have raised the stakes. A Pakistani official stated that a halt in attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations is now a "pre-requisite for any talks to resume," a message he said has been conveyed to Iran.