Amid talks of Pakistan playing a mediator between the US and Iran in the conflict, China has summoned Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing to discuss the situation and to “strengthen their cooperation on Iran”. The trip is considered extremely significant in Islamabad as Dar decided to take it up despite being given medical advice to rest following a hairline shoulder fracture he suffered on Monday.
A statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry says the two officials are set to discuss “regional developments and bilateral matters”. When asked further, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Tuesday that specific information about the visit will be released in due course, and the public can stay tuned for updates.
However, geopolitical experts view the move as China’s entry as a potential guarantor in any future talks between Iran and the United States.
Washington-based scholar Vali Nasr told Karachi-based Dawn that Iran has sought guarantees in any potential agreement with the US. It hinted that Dar was travelling to China to explore Beijing’s role as a guarantor. The report also quoted Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) chairman Mushahid Hussain Syed, who claimed China’s role at this stage was “very important”, adding that Iran required a strong guarantor for any ceasefire and that China could fulfil that role.
Earlier, there were reports that China was providing support to Egypt and its intelligence service to ensure the success of mediation efforts between the United States and the IRGC. According to experts, Beijing has issued instructions to Tehran to dial down the conflict, but is also wary that overt mediation could result in increased US pressure on Iran, and this could destabilise the balance of power that China seeks to maintain.
Pakistan had also hosted a summit of foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt on Sunday to discuss the Iran conflict.
