Pakistan Explores Mediation Role for US-Iran Negotiations Amid Chinese Diplomatic Pressure

ISLAMABAD — Following diplomatic initiatives led by China, Pakistan is exploring potential pathways to restart stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at ending their nearly five-month-old conflict, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

Exploratory discussions were held during a visit to Islamabad this week by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. This marks his second visit to the country within a ten-day period, sources noted.

According to official Pakistani government statements, Momeni—a figure closely associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps—met with senior government leaders and Army Chief Asim Munir during his stay.

Despite these discussions, the sources cautioned that significant obstacles to formal talks with the United States remain.

Pakistan faces an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape as a potential mediator. This week, the Yemen-based Houthi movement, backed by Iran, declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia—a strategic ally of Islamabad that maintains a mutual defense treaty with Pakistan.

Islamabad’s position is delicate; while the country relies heavily on financial support from Saudi Arabia and has officially condemned Houthi attacks, it is also deeply dependent on China. Beijing, a major economic benefactor to Pakistan, has significant interests in securing Middle Eastern trade routes through diplomatic solutions.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently discussed these new Middle Eastern diplomatic efforts with Chinese officials during a visit to China last week, according to the three sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“The Chinese are concerned because Iranian attacks on Gulf states and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz threaten their economic interests,” a Pakistani government official stated. Disruptions in the Red Sea also impact critical trade routes relied upon by Beijing.

While Foreign Minister Dar and the Pakistani military’s public relations wing did not respond to requests for comment, China’s foreign ministry issued a statement expressing support for “the mediation efforts made by Pakistan and other parties.” The ministry added that China intends to “play an active role in restoring peace and tranquillity in the Middle East Gulf region as soon as possible.”

As Iran’s largest trading partner, China continues to be a primary purchaser of Iranian crude oil despite international sanctions. While Beijing has not overtly provided military aid since the conflict began, it has historically increased support for Iran’s security infrastructure through dual-use components and satellite technology.

Beijing has consistently supported Pakistan’s mediation efforts, including a shuttle-diplomacy mission led by its special envoy in March.

Earlier in June, the U.S. and Iran had signed a memorandum of understanding intended to facilitate a 60-day window for negotiating a permanent agreement, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. However, indirect talks failed to produce progress, as both parties exchanged blame for ceasefire violations, leading to a resumption of hostilities.

The Houthi movement announced on Thursday that it had targeted two Saudi oil tankers as part of its blockade, raising fears of a second global oil chokepoint alongside the Strait of Hormuz.

This escalation has heightened the difficulty of Pakistan’s diplomatic mission. A Pakistani official noted that a cessation of attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations would be a “pre-requisite for any talks to resume,” a message that has already been conveyed to Iranian officials.

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