Pakistan is exploring a path towards a resumption of stalled US-Iran talks over ending their nearly five-month-old war, following a push initiated by China. Exploratory discussions took place during a visit by Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to Islamabad this week.
Background
Momeni, who is considered close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, met with Pakistani government leaders and army chief Asim Munir this week. All three sources cautioned that the obstacles to any talks with the US remain high.
Pakistan has found itself in an increasingly complicated situation as a potential future mediator. Earlier this week, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, a close ally of Islamabad that signed a mutual defence treaty with Pakistan last year.
China’s Role
China’s foreign ministry said China supports the mediation efforts made by Pakistan and other parties. China will continue to play an active role in restoring peace and tranquillity in the Middle East Gulf region as soon as possible.
Beijing is Iran’s largest trading partner and primary buyer of its exported crude oil despite international sanctions on Tehran, benefiting from a steep discount on the energy source. Over the years, China has also increased support for Iran’s security through dual-use components, chip equipment and satellite navigation systems.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
