ISLAMABAD: China has urged Pakistan to intensify mediation efforts between Iran and the United States to help reduce tensions and advance negotiations, as US President Donald Trump departed for China where the Iran conflict is expected to feature prominently in talks with Chinese leaders.
According to AFP, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed regional developments and the Iran-US conflict during a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
China’s state news agency reported that Wang urged Pakistan to play a more active role in strengthening dialogue between Tehran and Washington. He also called for efforts to help reopen maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Wang said Beijing would continue supporting Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation efforts and would also play its own role in the process.
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator during the recent crisis. Diplomatic sources said Islamabad’s backchannel efforts helped secure a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, which was later extended.
One round of talks between senior officials from both countries was also held in Islamabad, though a second round has yet to take place.
Sources said a final agreement between Tehran and Washington still appeared distant, but diplomatic contacts and behind-the-scenes negotiations through Pakistan were continuing.
The conflict began on February 28 after military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. Tehran later responded with attacks on Israeli targets and US facilities in the Gulf region.
Iran subsequently closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil markets and triggering a sharp rise in crude prices.
