On July 24 local time, Reuters reported citing three Pakistani sources who said that under Chinese influence, Pakistan is exploring ways to resume U.S.-Iran negotiations in order to end the war that has lasted for nearly five months. However, the sources also pointed out that there are still significant obstacles to any negotiations with the United States.
Three people revealed that during Pakistan's Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister's visit to China last week, he discussed relevant plans with Chinese officials. The Chinese side reiterated its position, calling on all parties in the Gulf region to exercise restraint and immediately stop all confrontational actions, and to restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.
Reuters noted that China has always supported Pakistan's efforts to mediate. In March, China sent an envoy to the Middle East for shuttle diplomacy visits, aiming to create conditions for a cooler situation. China highly appreciates Pakistan's key role in facilitating the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. China also stated that it will continue to fully support Pakistan's efforts to mediate, pushing all parties back into dialogue and negotiations, with the goal of achieving a lasting ceasefire as soon as possible.
On March 31, China and Pakistan jointly issued the “Five Point Initiative on Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and Middle East Regions”. The core content includes “immediately stopping hostilities, starting peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the safety of non-military targets, ensuring the safety of shipping lanes, and maintaining the primacy of the United Nations Charter”. This initiative is considered a key driving force for promoting peace talks. It represents the first time that major global powers have proposed a systematic approach to end this conflict, and it is also one of the most structured proposals put forward by all parties to ease the situation.
Under the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending the war. The original plan was to provide a 60-day negotiation window to reach a permanent agreement. However, the indirect negotiations did not make any substantive progress, and both sides accused each other of breaking the agreement, leading to another escalation of conflicts.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on July 24, during the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Kyrgyzstan, Iranian Foreign Minister Alaei informed China about the latest situation in the Middle East and Gulf region. He stated that the United States had violated the memorandum of understanding reached between the two sides, leading to an escalation of tensions. The Iranian side's willingness to negotiate has never changed, and it does not wish for conflicts to continue. Iran urges the United States to abide by its commitments, exercise restraint, and work towards a reasonable solution with the Iranian side.
Alagzi said that at this critical moment, he wishes to express his gratitude to the Chinese side for always maintaining an objective and fair stance, consistently advocating for peace and preventing conflicts. He hopes that the Chinese side will continue to play an important role in facilitating a reduction in tensions and a cooling of the situation.
In another meeting, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dhar also stated that it is very necessary for Pakistan and China to maintain communication and coordination on all occasions. The sudden escalation of the situation in the Middle East and Gulf region does not serve the interests of any party. Pakistan is willing to continue its efforts to mediate peace. Pakistan thanks China for its consistent support and assistance.
China emphasizes its concern over the recent intensification of tensions in the Middle Eastern Gulf region. As a comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports Iran in maintaining its sovereignty, security, and national dignity. China will continue to support efforts by Pakistan and other parties to mediate, aiming to restore dialogue and negotiations among the parties as soon as possible. It will also address the issue of the Hormuz Strait appropriately, promote improved relations between neighboring countries, and work together to ensure collective security for Gulf nations, thereby contributing to the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date.
According to Reuters, Pakistan's role as a mediator is becoming increasingly complex. Earlier this week, the Yemeni Houthi militia, supported by Iran, announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. Since Saudi Arabia is a partner of Pakistan with a mutual defense treaty, the situation has become even more severe.
According to British media, the escalating situation has increased the risks associated with Pakistan's latest diplomatic efforts, as well as the obstacles it faces. Islamabad has strongly condemned the Houthi movement's recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, in order not to be seen as overly catering to Iranian interests and thus provoking Riyadh.
The aforementioned three anonymous sources stated that during Iran’s Interior Minister Moemeni’s visit to Islamabad this week, exploratory talks were held between the two parties. According to a statement from the Pakistani government, Moemeni also met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz and Army Chief of Staff Muneer, and expressed high praise for Pakistan’s unremitting efforts to facilitate the drafting of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
A Pakistani official stated that halting strikes against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states is a "precondition for any restart of negotiations", adding that Pakistan has conveyed this information to Iran.
