PM Sharif Heads To China As Pakistan Steps Up Iran Mediation Efforts

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Beijing on May 23 for a three-day visit aimed at reviving Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the U.S.-Iran standoff, which has stalled in recent weeks. Sharif will meet with Chinese leaders to discuss deepening bilateral ties in political, economic, and strategic domains, including defense cooperation and securing fresh Chinese investment for Pakistan’s struggling economy. The visit comes as Pakistan seeks to leverage China’s close relationship with Iran to push for dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Islamabad has maintained regular contact with China throughout the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28. Analysts suggest Sharif will seek assurances from China that it remains supportive of Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Pakistan’s mediation gained momentum after a cease-fire was announced nearly 40 days into the conflict, following a request from Islamabad to halt Operation Epic Fury. High-level U.S. and Iranian teams held negotiations in Islamabad on April 11–12, but talks ended without an agreement. Pakistan’s economic challenges, exacerbated by the Iran war, are expected to be a key topic during Sharif’s discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In parallel, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Tehran on May 22, marking intensified diplomatic efforts. While details of the talks remain undisclosed, speculation suggests Pakistan’s military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, may finalize a deal with Iran. Sharif’s visit follows recent summits in Beijing, where U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Iran’s conflict and its global repercussions with Xi Jinping.