Pakistan Enlists China's Diplomacy to Broker US-Iran Deal; Sharif Heads to Beijing

Shehbaz Sharif is expected to discuss escalating tensions between the United States and Iran during his upcoming visit to China, as Pakistan increasingly looks to Beijing to help break the deadlock in ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the Middle East conflict. Reports citing Pakistani sources suggest Islamabad is relying heavily on Chinese support to push forward a possible framework for a broader US-Iran understanding aimed at stabilizing the region after months of military escalation.

According to Pakistani officials, Sharif’s visit to China, scheduled from May 23 to May 26, will include meetings with Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese leaders. While Beijing has not officially confirmed whether the Iran crisis will be part of the agenda, Pakistan’s foreign office acknowledged that the issue is expected to be discussed during the trip. Islamabad and Beijing have reportedly maintained close coordination over the conflict, which has disrupted global energy markets and heightened fears of wider instability across the Gulf region.

Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as an intermediary between Tehran and Washington since the conflict intensified following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. Pakistani sources quoted in regional media reports said the country’s military leadership is closely monitoring diplomatic developments and may become more directly involved if negotiations progress toward a final agreement. Reports also suggest that Pakistan’s army chief could visit Tehran if a draft framework for a deal reaches an advanced stage.

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China has emerged as one of Pakistan’s key diplomatic partners in attempts to ease tensions and encourage dialogue between the involved parties. Islamabad and Beijing are said to be jointly promoting a five-point peace initiative focused on securing a ceasefire, protecting civilian and nuclear infrastructure, ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining communication channels, and upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important energy routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reportedly held discussions in Tehran this week with Abbas Araghchi regarding possible diplomatic measures to reduce tensions and facilitate communication between Washington and Tehran. Iranian media outlets reported that the meetings focused on creating a framework for resolving disagreements and preventing further escalation in the region. Officials familiar with the talks described the discussions as part of broader backchannel diplomatic efforts involving multiple regional actors.

The prolonged confrontation has already triggered sharp volatility in global energy markets and intensified concerns over international trade disruptions. Analysts warn that continued instability near the Strait of Hormuz could have serious economic consequences worldwide, particularly for oil-importing nations. Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement alongside China reflects the increasing urgency among regional powers to prevent the conflict from expanding further and to restore stability through negotiated political solutions.

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