China praises Pakistan’s mediation role in US-Iran talks, stresses durable ceasefire

Wang Yi, Ishaq Dar agree on continued commitment to call, stress regional stability and Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar(L) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. PHOTO: File

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated appreciation and support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role in the US-Iran conflict during talks with Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar on Tuesday as both sides stressed the importance of continuing a lasting ceasefire.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FM Dar held a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart.

“The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate Iran-US engagement aimed at promoting sustained peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the statement said.

During the conversation, the Chinese foreign minister reiterated appreciation and support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role.

“Both sides stressed the importance of continuing a durable ceasefire and ensuring normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement added.

Both leaders also discussed planned high-level exchanges, activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, as well as broader bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Read: Pakistan continues peace mediation with ‘no immediate danger’ of renewed US-Iran war: sources

The two sides agreed to maintain close communication on all matters of mutual interest, the statement concluded.

Pakistan had brokered a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran on 8 April, followed by critical talks in Islamabad involving high-level delegations from both countries on 11 and 12 April.

However, neither side was able to reach an agreement to end the conflict.

Since then, the two sides have exchanged proposals and counter-proposals in an attempt to reach a middle ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region.

While Pakistan remains hopeful for the resumption of direct talks, sources said there was no “significant” change in Iran’s previous stance on the nuclear issue in its response to US proposals.

According to sources, Tehran’s response – delivered to the US via Islamabad last week – focused primarily on an “immediate” end to hostilities, with “little” [in it] in relation to Washington’s core demands on Iran’s nuclear program”.

Also read: Prime Minister Shehbaz confirms receipt of Iran’s response to US peace proposal

Iran, the sources added, has proposed “broader and separate” talks on the nuclear issue, citing its “complexity.”

However, Tehran has “reiterated” its willingness to halt uranium enrichment for a period of five years, while rejecting Washington’s demand for a 20-year moratorium, according to the sources.

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