ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (Alliance News): Pakistan is exploring the possibility of facilitating the resumption of stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their nearly five-month-long conflict, according to informed sources, as China backs fresh diplomatic efforts to restore stability in the Middle East.
Sources said exploratory discussions took place during the recent visit of Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to Islamabad. It was his second visit to Pakistan within the last 10 days, highlighting the growing diplomatic engagement between the two countries amid regional tensions.
During his visit, Momeni held meetings with senior Pakistani leadership, including Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, to discuss regional security and broader diplomatic issues.
However, sources cautioned that significant challenges remain before any meaningful dialogue between Washington and Tehran can resume.
Officials said Pakistan is increasingly being viewed as a potential facilitator due to its balanced diplomatic relations with both regional and international stakeholders.
China has also encouraged Islamabad’s mediation efforts as part of wider initiatives aimed at reducing tensions across the Middle East.
According to sources, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the latest diplomatic developments with Chinese officials during his recent visit to Beijing. While Pakistani authorities have not officially commented on the reports, China’s Foreign Ministry publicly expressed support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing supports mediation initiatives undertaken by Pakistan and other countries and will continue playing an active role in promoting peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
China remains Iran’s largest trading partner and a major purchaser of Iranian crude oil despite international sanctions.
In recent years, Beijing has also expanded cooperation with Tehran in technology, infrastructure and security-related sectors.
The renewed diplomatic efforts come at a time of heightened regional uncertainty. Pakistan has strongly condemned recent attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its support for the Kingdom’s security and regional stability.
The situation has become increasingly sensitive following the Houthis’ announcement of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and attacks targeting oil tankers, raising concerns over the security of global energy supplies and international shipping routes.
Earlier this year, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, providing a 60-day framework for negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent settlement.
However, indirect talks failed to produce a breakthrough, with both sides accusing each other of violating commitments before hostilities resumed.
Diplomatic observers believe that although restarting negotiations will be difficult, continued engagement by Pakistan, China and other regional partners could help create conditions for renewed dialogue and reduce the risk of further escalation.
Officials maintain that Pakistan remains committed to supporting peaceful diplomatic initiatives that contribute to regional stability while encouraging dialogue as the preferred path for resolving international disputes.
