Pakistan is increasingly relying on China to help push forward a possible breakthrough in the ongoing US-Iran tensions, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prepares for an official visit to China later this week amid growing diplomatic activity surrounding the regional crisis.

According to Pakistani and Iranian media reports, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held fresh discussions in Tehran this week with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding possible measures aimed at reducing tensions and helping revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Sources cited by Al Arabiya claimed Islamabad is “counting heavily” on China’s diplomatic influence to move discussions toward a possible final agreement between the United States and Iran. Reports also suggested Pakistan’s military leadership is closely monitoring developments emerging from the Tehran discussions.

China on Thursday confirmed that Shehbaz Sharif will visit Beijing from May 23 to May 26 for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese officials. While Beijing did not officially specify whether the Iran crisis would dominate the agenda, Pakistan’s Foreign Office later confirmed that the escalating US-Iran tensions and Gulf situation would be discussed during the visit.

“Pakistan and China have been in close coordination on the standoff in the Middle East and the Gulf,” Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told reporters on Friday, adding that Beijing has supported Islamabad’s efforts for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

Pakistan and China have reportedly promoted a five-point peace initiative calling for a ceasefire, continued dialogue, protection of nuclear and civilian facilities, secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and adherence to the United Nations Charter.

The diplomatic push comes after months of heightened tensions following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, an escalation that disrupted shipping routes near Hormuz and triggered volatility in global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments.

Iranian news agencies including Tasnim and ISNA reported that Mohsin Naqvi’s meetings in Tehran focused on communication efforts designed to establish a framework for ending the confrontation and resolving disagreements between Washington and Tehran.

According to reports, Pakistan’s Army Chief may also visit Tehran if progress is achieved on a draft understanding between the parties involved.

The latest diplomatic manoeuvres highlight Islamabad’s growing attempt to position itself as a mediator between Iran and the United States while strengthening coordination with China on regional security and energy stability.

MohsinNaqvi | Business Upturn

Pakistan looks to China for US-Iran breakthrough as Sharif plans Beijing talks