Pakistan explores efforts to revive US-Iran talks with China's backing
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Pakistan is exploring ways to help revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran, with China backing the initiative, Reuters reported on Friday, citing sources.
According to the report, Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Islamabad this week for the second time in 10 days, during which exploratory discussions were held. Momeni, who is believed to have links to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, also met Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, according to statements from the Pakistani government.
The report said Pakistan is emerging as a possible mediator at a time when it faces competing strategic interests. Saudi Arabia, a key ally that signed a mutual defence treaty with Pakistan last year, has recently been targeted by a naval blockade announced by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement.
Pakistan has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and remains financially dependent on Riyadh. At the same time, it relies heavily on China, which has invested significantly in Pakistan and is seeking a diplomatic solution to restore key trade routes in West Asia.
Reuters reported that Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the initiative with Chinese officials during a visit to China last week. The discussions were cited by sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.
One Pakistani government official told Reuters that China was concerned that Iran's actions against Gulf states and disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz were affecting its interests. The report added that instability in the Red Sea could also disrupt another key trade route relied upon by Beijing.
China's foreign ministry said it supports mediation efforts by Pakistan and other parties and would continue to play an active role in restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region.
According to the report, China is Iran's largest trading partner and the biggest buyer of its crude oil despite international sanctions. It added that Beijing has also increased support for Iran's security through dual-use components, semiconductor equipment and satellite navigation systems, while continuing to back Pakistan's mediation efforts in the region.