Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan is exploring a path toward resuming stalled US-Iran talks to end their nearly five-month war, following a push initiated by China, three Pakistani government sources told Reuters on Friday .
Diplomatic Engagements Intensify
Exploratory discussions took place during a visit by Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni—considered close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps—to Islamabad this week, his second within the last 10 days. Momeni met with Pakistani government leaders and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir .
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also discussed the new Middle East effort with Chinese officials during his visit to China last week .
China’s Interests at Stake
“The Chinese are unhappy because Iran’s attacks on other Gulf states and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are hitting their interests,” a Pakistani government official said. Disruptions in the Red Sea would hit another key trade route Beijing relies on .
China’s foreign ministry said in a statement that “China supports the mediation efforts made by Pakistan and other parties” and will continue to “play an active role in restoring peace and tranquility in the Middle East Gulf region as soon as possible” .
Houthi Blockade Raises Stakes
The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June, intended to provide a 60-day window for negotiations on a permanent agreement. But indirect talks yielded no progress, and the conflict resumed .
The Houthis recently struck two Saudi oil tankers as part of their naval blockade, threatening to create a second chokepoint for global oil supplies alongside the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz .
A halt in attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations would now be a “pre-requisite for any talks to resume,” a Pakistani official said, adding that Islamabad has conveyed this message to Iran .
