Dar Heads To China For Key Talks On Iran-US Dialogue

Islamabad (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar left Islamabad on Tuesday for a brief visit to China, where he is expected to hold detailed discussions on regional developments, according to the Foreign Office.

The talks are anticipated to centre on efforts to outline a possible framework for dialogue between Iran and the United States, aimed at ending the ongoing war.

Earlier, the Foreign Office confirmed that Dar’s visit, scheduled for March 31, is being undertaken at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This is his second trip to Beijing this year.

During the visit, the two leaders are expected to review bilateral relations and exchange views on key regional and global issues. Pakistan and China continue to maintain a close strategic partnership, marked by regular coordination on international matters.

The trip comes shortly after Dar suggested that Pakistan could serve as a potential venue for direct talks between Washington and Tehran, as Islamabad intensifies its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue.

Over the weekend, Pakistan hosted a meeting involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, where foreign ministers discussed the need for de-escalation and supported initiatives to create conditions for structured negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Dar’s short stay in Beijing will also include further discussions based on his recent phone call with Wang Yi. The Chinese foreign minister reportedly acknowledged that facilitating peace talks would be challenging but emphasized that such efforts could help restore stability, including secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

China has expressed support for Pakistan’s role as a mediator, appreciating its efforts to promote stability in the Middle East. Officials say indirect communication between the US and Iran is ongoing through diplomatic channels, even though direct talks have yet to take place.