The exploratory discussions took place during Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni s visit to Islamabad this week — his second trip in the past 10 days. According to the sources, Momeni held meetings with Pakistani government leaders and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
The sources cautioned that despite renewed diplomatic activity, major obstacles remain before formal negotiations between Washington and Tehran can resume.
China pushes for diplomacy
Pakistan has found itself in a delicate position as a potential mediator due to its close ties with both Saudi Arabia and China.
The situation has become more complex after Yemen s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, a key Pakistani ally that signed a mutual defence treaty with Islamabad last year.
Pakistan depends heavily on Saudi financial support and has strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on the Kingdom. At the same time, Islamabad also relies on China, which remains one of its largest economic partners and has significant commercial interests in restoring stability to Middle Eastern trade routes.
According to the sources, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the latest diplomatic initiative with Chinese officials during his visit to Beijing last week.
"The Chinese are unhappy because Iran s attacks on other Gulf states and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are hurting their interests," one Pakistani government official said, adding that disruptions in the Red Sea are also affecting another vital trade corridor for China.
Neither Dar nor the military s media wing responded to requests for comment.
In a statement, China s Foreign Ministry said Beijing supports mediation efforts by Pakistan and other countries and would continue playing an active role in restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region.
Strategic interests
China remains Iran s largest trading partner and the biggest buyer of Iranian crude oil despite international sanctions. Beijing has also expanded security cooperation with Tehran through the supply of dual-use components, chip equipment and satellite navigation systems, although it has not openly provided military assistance since the conflict began.
China has consistently supported Pakistan s diplomatic role and previously dispatched its special envoy on a shuttle diplomacy mission across the Middle East in March.
Fresh conditions for talks
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, creating a 60-day window for negotiations on a permanent settlement.
However, indirect talks failed to produce progress, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement before hostilities resumed.
The diplomatic environment has become even more challenging after the Houthis claimed on Thursday to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers as part of their announced naval blockade, raising fears of another major disruption to global energy supplies alongside instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
A Pakistani official said any renewed negotiations would require an immediate halt to attacks against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
According to the official, Islamabad has already conveyed this message to Tehran, making de-escalation a prerequisite for any future US-Iran dialogue.
