Chinese state media have reported that President Xi Jinping met in Beijing with the main mediators involved in the Iran–U.S. talks. At the same time, diplomatic efforts by several countries to formally end tensions and conflict among the United States, Israel, and Iran are continuing.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is visiting China on a four-day official trip. Pakistan’s state television reported today that Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and commander of Pakistan’s armed forces, has also joined him and is participating in the meetings.
According to Pakistan’s state television, Shehbaz Sharif told Chinese leaders in the presence of Asim Munir: “The world is passing through a critical moment.”
He also stated: “Pakistan has sincerely played the role of mediator between the United States and Iran. Field Marshal Asim Munir was in Tehran and did not want to miss this important visit.”
The Pakistani prime minister added: “The situation is moving in the right direction, and I would like to thank China for its support in promoting peace.”
Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif had also met and held talks with Li Qiang, China’s prime minister and the country’s second-highest-ranking official.
China has announced that it will cooperate with Pakistan to play a positive role in restoring peace and stability to the Middle East as soon as possible. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that the Middle East crisis was one of the main topics discussed in Beijing.
Field Marshal Asim Munir traveled to Tehran on Friday and Saturday along with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to mediate between Iran and the United States.
Shehbaz Sharif began his official visit to China on Saturday in the city of Hangzhou, where he chaired the China-Pakistan Joint Investment Conference.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson reacted to comments by U.S. officials regarding progress in the negotiations, saying that the two sides have reached understandings on some issues, but it is still too early to speak of an imminent agreement.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, cited contradictory statements by American officials and the history of U.S. attacks during negotiations as reasons for Tehran’s caution.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that the agreement process between Tehran and Washington is “still progressing.” U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday that the two sides were getting closer to an agreement, but stressed that he is in no hurry to reach one.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
