Pakistan is holding preliminary diplomatic consultations aimed at reviving suspended talks between the United States and Iran. According to Reuters, the initiative originated with China, which is seeking to end nearly five months of military confrontation and restore key regional trade routes.
Foreign media report that the possibility of renewed US-Iran talks was discussed during Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni’s visit to Islamabad. It was his second visit to Pakistan in the past ten days. Momeni met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir. According to a Pakistani official, one of the conditions for restarting negotiations is an end to attacks against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
China’s interest is directly linked to its economic and energy priorities. Beijing is Iran’s largest trading partner and the main buyer of its exported oil. The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threats to shipping in the Red Sea are disrupting energy and trade routes that are critical to China.
China’s Foreign Ministry says Beijing supports mediation efforts by Pakistan and other parties and will continue to play an active role in restoring peace in the Gulf region. On July 16, China and Pakistan also called on the United States and Iran to halt hostilities and return to dialogue.
