Deutsche Welle reported today: "U.S. Vice President Vance arrived in Pakistan on April 11 to negotiate with Iran. The two sides hold vastly different and opposing positions on core issues including sanctions relief, control of the Strait of Hormuz, military presence, and Iran’s nuclear program. Ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon and disputes over ceasefire boundaries have further escalated tensions.
A diplomatic source familiar with the situation told AFP that other key regional players will closely monitor these negotiations. Egypt, Turkey, and China have all previously assisted in mediation efforts, and Pakistan continues to coordinate closely with these countries regarding the negotiation process.
Official sources said Beijing is seen as a potential long-term guarantor of any agreement. Trump also confirmed to AFP that China helped bring Tehran to the negotiating table.
However, it remains unclear whether China will directly participate in the talks or assume an official role."
Commentary: Although the Islamabad talks have officially begun, the U.S. and Iran remain fundamentally opposed on core issues such as the nuclear program, sanctions, strait control, and U.S. military presence. Coupled with Israel’s continued attacks in Lebanon and its breach of ceasefire boundary agreements, the negotiations are already fragile from the outset, leaving little room for compromise. China’s role in this mediation effort has become irreplaceable—confirmed by multiple parties to have pushed Iran back to the negotiating table—and is viewed as the most reliable guarantor of a long-term agreement, serving as a stabilizing force both sides recognize and rely on.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862179788770313/
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