China reiterates Pakistan’s mediatory role in US-Iran dialogue

• FM Yi discusses regional diplomacy with Dar, lauds Pakistan’s constructive role in easing US-Iran tensions

• Beijing, Islamabad stress need for durable ceasefire and regional stability

• Talks highlight continued diplomatic engagement on Iran-US channel

• Strait of Hormuz stability, peace efforts remain key focus of discussion

• Austria also lauds Pakistan’s mediation efforts in regional diplomacy

 ISLAMABAD: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday reiterated appreciation and support for Pakistan’s “constructive mediatory role” in the ongoing United States-Iran tensions during a telephonic conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

In a statement posted on X, the Foreign Office said the two foreign ministers held an in-depth exchange of views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s continued efforts to facilitate engagement between the United States and Iran aimed at promoting sustainable peace and stability in the wider region.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi.

The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate… pic.twitter.com/MUXVisOIY2

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 12, 2026

The statement added that both sides underscored the importance of maintaining a durable ceasefire and ensuring uninterrupted and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, given its critical importance for global energy and trade flows.

During the conversation, Wang Yi reiterated China’s appreciation and support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role, acknowledging Islamabad’s diplomatic engagement in reducing tensions and encouraging dialogue between the concerned parties.

Both sides also reviewed broader bilateral cooperation and agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and international matters of mutual interest.

They discussed planned high-level exchanges and activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, alongside continued cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums.

The Foreign Office said both countries agreed to remain in close contact on evolving developments.

The conversation comes amid continuing diplomatic efforts linked to the US-Iran crisis. According to available details, the United States and Iran had agreed to halt their nearly 40-day conflict following a Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire on April 8, which was followed by important talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 involving senior delegations from both sides.

However, despite sustained diplomatic exchanges, the two sides have yet to reach a final agreement to formally end the conflict.

Since then, both countries have continued exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to bridge differences and resume a second round of direct negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing disputes, particularly those related to Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns.

Sources indicate that Pakistan remains hopeful for the resumption of direct talks, although there has been no significant shift in Iran’s earlier position on the nuclear issue in response to US proposals.

Tehran’s response—delivered to Washington via Islamabad—reportedly focused on an immediate end to hostilities, while offering limited progress on the core US demand regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran has, however, proposed broader and separate discussions on the nuclear issue, citing its complexity. It has also expressed willingness to temporarily halt uranium enrichment for five years, while rejecting a 20-year moratorium demanded by Washington.

 

Dar holds a telephone conversation with Austrian FM

In a separate development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held a telephone conversation with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

According to the FO, the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, with the Austrian foreign minister appreciating Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and facilitating mediation between Iran and the United States in support of regional peace and stability.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Foreign Minister of Austria, Beate Meinl-Reisinger @BMeinl, and exchanged views on the evolving regional situation.

The Austrian Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s constructive… pic.twitter.com/MJsI8M0Oac

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 12, 2026

Deputy Prime Minister Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement and continued efforts to facilitate dialogue between the two sides, aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Both foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact as diplomatic consultations continue.