Sources: Pakistan Discusses New Mediation Efforts with China to End Iran War

SadaNews - Three Pakistani sources said that Islamabad is exploring a path to resume stalled talks between the United States and Iran regarding the resolution of the ongoing war between them for nearly five months, as part of an effort initiated by China.

The sources reported that exploratory talks took place during Iranian Interior Minister Iskander Momeni's visit to Islamabad this week, which is his second visit in ten days.

Data from the Pakistani government indicates that Momeni, who is considered close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, met with Pakistani government leaders and Army Chief Asim Munir this week, according to Reuters.

The three sources emphasized that the obstacles facing any talks with the United States remain significant.

Pakistan finds itself in a highly complex position as a potential mediator in the future. The Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen announced this week a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, Islamabad's close ally with whom it signed a mutual defense treaty last year.

Islamabad strongly condemned the Houthis' targeting of two oil-laden tankers. Pakistan's appearance as accepting Iranian justifications may provoke Riyadh's displeasure.

However, Islamabad, in turn, relies on Beijing, which is also a major financial supporter and has economic interests in finding a diplomatic solution to reopen major trade routes in the Middle East.

Three Pakistani sources, who requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, stated that Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also discussed the new efforts in the Middle East with Chinese officials during his visit to China last week.

A Pakistani government official said, "The Chinese are displeased because Iran's attacks on other Gulf states and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz harm their interests." He added that the unrest in the Red Sea will affect another major trade route that Beijing relies on.

Neither Dar nor the media wing of the Pakistani army responded to requests for comment.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated in a statement, "China supports the mediation efforts made by Pakistan and other parties."

It added that Beijing will continue to "play an active role in restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region as soon as possible."

Beijing is Iran's largest trading partner and the main buyer of its crude oil, despite international sanctions on Tehran, as it benefits from a significant discount on crude.

China has also strengthened its support for Iran's security over the years by providing dual-use components, electronic chip equipment, and satellite navigation systems even though it has not provided public military assistance to Iran since the outbreak of the war.

Beijing has consistently supported Pakistan's mediation efforts, sending its special envoy in March to lead a round of shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East.

The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding last June to move towards ending the war, following mediation from Pakistan and Qatar. The memorandum aimed to provide a 60-day window for negotiations to reach a permanent agreement.

However, indirect talks did not lead to any progress, and both sides exchanged accusations of violations until the conflict renewed.