China Seen as Potential Guarantor in Iran-US Talks Amid Pakistan’s Out-of-Reach Diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing Middle East conflict have gained momentum, with China emerging as a potential guarantor in possible Iran-US talks.
Pakistan is actively exploring Beijing’s role to help build a reliable negotiation framework. Iran has indicated it wants firm security guarantees before committing to any agreement with the United States.
According to Washington-based scholar Vali Nasr, this need for assurances prompted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar to travel to Beijing for consultations.
Nasr noted that such a proposal would likely involve discussions with both Washington and Beijing, although it remains unclear whether China would accept the role.
He added that Beijing is increasingly playing a frontline role in regional diplomacy. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key facilitator between Iran and the US.
On Sunday, Ishaq Dar stated that both sides have expressed confidence in Islamabad’s ability to host meaningful talks in the coming days. The push follows a quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. The group called for an immediate and permanent end to the war.
Separately, Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute Mushahid Hussain Syed described China’s role as “very important.” He suggested Beijing could act as a strong guarantor for any ceasefire and may link progress to a potential US presidential visit in May.
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Defence analyst Arshad Malik welcomed Dar’s visit to China, stating that Pakistan is handling the situation effectively from a position of strength.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has entered its second month with significant regional impact, including disruptions to oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and recent Houthi involvement.