China backs Pakistan’s mediation role in US-Iran talks, stresses durable ceasefire

ISLAMABAD: China has reiterated its support for Pakistan’s role in facilitating engagement between the United States and Iran, with both sides also emphasising the need to preserve a lasting ceasefire and keep the Strait of Hormuz open to normal passage.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two leaders discussed recent regional developments as well as Pakistan’s continuing efforts to help advance contact between Tehran and Washington.

The Foreign Office said the two foreign ministers exchanged detailed views on developments in the region and on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at encouraging engagement between Iran and the United States in support of peace and stability in the region and beyond.

During the call, Wang Yi conveyed appreciation and support for what the Foreign Office described as Pakistan’s constructive mediation role in the US-Iran conflict. The statement added that both sides underscored the importance of continuing a durable ceasefire and ensuring normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The two ministers also reviewed planned high-level exchanges, events linked to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, and wider bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The Foreign Office said both sides agreed to remain in close contact on all matters of mutual interest.

Pakistan’s mediation efforts

The development comes after Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8. That truce was followed by key talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, attended by senior delegations from both countries. However, the two sides did not reach a final agreement to end the conflict.

Since those talks, the United States and Iran have continued exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to find common ground and pave the way for a second round of direct negotiations. The conflict has already affected global energy supplies and disrupted daily life across the region.

Pakistan remains hopeful that direct talks will resume, but there has been no significant shift in Iran’s earlier position on the nuclear issue in its response to US proposals.

immediate

Tehran’s response, which was delivered to the United States through Islamabad last week, focused mainly on an immediate end to hostilities, with little in it in terms of Washington’s core demand about Iran’s nuclear programme.

They further said Iran had proposed broader and separate talks on the nuclear issue, describing it as complex. They added that Tehran had reiterated its willingness to suspend uranium enrichment for five years, while rejecting Washington’s demand for a 20-year moratorium.