Pakistan explores diplomatic efforts to revive US-Iran talks  

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is exploring the possibility of helping revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran in an effort to reduce tensions and move toward ending the conflict that has continued for nearly five months. According to informed Pakistani sources, the latest diplomatic initiative follows encouragement from China, which has expressed support for Islamabad’s mediation efforts in the region.

The renewed diplomatic discussions reportedly gained momentum during the recent visit of Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, to Islamabad. It was his second visit to Pakistan within ten days, highlighting the growing importance of diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries amid the ongoing regional crisis.

During his visit, Momeni held meetings with senior Pakistani officials, including government leaders and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. While official statements confirmed the meetings, details of the discussions were not made public. However, sources familiar with the matter indicated that the possibility of restarting indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran was among the issues discussed.

Despite these efforts, officials acknowledged that significant challenges remain before meaningful dialogue can resume. Deep mistrust between the United States and Iran, combined with recent military escalations across the Middle East, continues to complicate prospects for renewed negotiations.

Pakistan’s role as a potential mediator has become increasingly delicate due to rapidly evolving regional developments. Earlier this week, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, one of Pakistan’s closest regional allies. Islamabad has strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks, reaffirming its support for Saudi Arabia, with which it signed a mutual defence treaty last year.

According to the sources, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also discussed the evolving Middle East situation with Chinese officials during his recent visit to Beijing. Although Pakistani authorities have not publicly commented on the discussions, China has confirmed its support for mediation efforts led by Pakistan and other regional partners.

In an official statement, China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing supports diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region. The ministry also reaffirmed China’s commitment to playing an active role in encouraging dialogue and reducing tensions across the Middle East.

China remains Iran’s largest trading partner and the primary buyer of Iranian crude oil despite international sanctions. Over the years, Beijing has also expanded cooperation with Tehran in areas such as technology, satellite navigation systems, and dual-use industrial components, although it has not publicly provided direct military assistance during the current conflict.

Pakistan’s latest diplomatic initiative follows earlier mediation efforts undertaken jointly with Qatar. In June, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding designed to create a 60-day framework for negotiations aimed at reaching a long-term agreement. However, indirect talks failed to produce meaningful progress, with both sides accusing each other of violating the understanding, ultimately leading to renewed hostilities.

The regional security situation has deteriorated further after the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers as part of their naval blockade. The development has raised concerns over global energy supplies and increased fears that another major shipping route could be disrupted alongside the already vulnerable Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistani officials believe that ending attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries is now essential before any negotiations between the United States and Iran can resume. According to one official, Islamabad has already conveyed this position to Iranian authorities, emphasizing that regional stability will be a necessary first step toward successful diplomatic engagement.

As tensions continue to rise, Pakistan, supported by China, appears determined to pursue dialogue as a means of preventing further escalation and encouraging a peaceful resolution to one of the Middle East’s most pressing conflicts.