Pakistan Explores Path to Renew US-Iran Talks

Pakistan is exploring ways to revive indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the conflict, which has lasted nearly five months.

Three Pakistani sources said China had encouraged the initiative. Beijing has an interest in stabilizing the Middle East and restoring security along key trade routes.

The issue was discussed during Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni's visit to Islamabad this week, where he met with government leaders and army chief Asim Munir. Analysts cautioned, however, that significant obstacles to a return to negotiations remained.

The situation has been further complicated by Houthi attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted a key global oil shipping route.

Pakistan is seeking to balance its relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran while remaining economically dependent on support from Beijing.

A Pakistani official said attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states would have to stop before diplomatic talks could resume.

(Reuters, MJA)