China’s top diplomat has urged Pakistan to increase mediation between the United States (US) and Iran to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Chinese state media.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday ahead of Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Beijing.
During the conversation, Wang Yi reiterated China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s role in the US-Iran conflict and stressed the need for regional stability.
A statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO) confirmed the discussion, noting that the two leaders “exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement between Iran and the United States”.
The Foreign Office statement further noted that “both sides underscored the importance of continuing a durable ceasefire”.
The diplomatic outreach follows Pakistan’s facilitation of a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran on April 8.
Following that agreement, senior delegations from both countries attended talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. However, these sessions ended without a formal agreement to resolve the conflict.
Since those meetings, the US and Iran have been exchanging proposals and counter-proposals to resume a second round of direct talks.
The standoff has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted daily life across the region. While Pakistan continues to seek a resumption of negotiations, sources stated there has been no significant change in Iran’s stance on the nuclear issue in its recent responses to US proposals.
