Pakistan mediates Iran war as Xi hosts Sharif
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- Xi Jinping meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on May 25, signaling China’s backing for Pakistan’s mediation in the Iran war
- Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan has played a 'sincere role' in U.S.-Iran talks and credits China for supporting peace efforts during his four-day visit
- Asim Munir leads Pakistan’s mediation team, hosting U.S. and Iranian officials in April talks that collapsed over U.S. 'excessive demands,' according to Iran
- Trump says the U.S. is not in a rush to sign a deal, dampening optimism, while Iran claims it is winning the negotiation stance
- Pakistan hosted the only direct U.S.-Iran talks since the war began, with army chief Munir personally engaging both delegations, including U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance
Why it matters: Pakistan gains strategic leverage as the primary mediator in a high-stakes conflict, while China strengthens its Middle East influence without direct involvement. A failed deal prolongs regional volatility, affecting global energy and trade routes.
