AFP: U.S.-Iran Talks on 11th, China May Serve as Key Guarantor
AFP, Islamabad, October 10 — The U.S.-Iran talks will take place on the 11th in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Official sources and experts indicate that Beijing not only helped facilitate these negotiations but may also play a pivotal role in ensuring a lasting ceasefire.
Pakistan's last-minute mediation successfully secured a temporary ceasefire, earning widespread international acclaim and surprising many observers.
A senior Pakistani official familiar with the negotiation details said: "Hope seemed to fade on the night of the ceasefire, but China stepped in and persuaded Iran to agree to an initial truce... While our own efforts were the main driver, progress remained difficult until Beijing finally convinced Iran to come on board."
The war, which began when Israel and the United States launched attacks on February 28, has already cost thousands of lives and severely damaged the global economy. The upcoming U.S.-Iran talks offer a faint glimmer of hope for ending this conflict.
An unnamed diplomatic source, speaking without authorization, stated: "Pakistan has formed an expert task force to assist both sides in negotiating issues related to shipping, nuclear energy, and other relevant matters."
This source, along with multiple experts and former officials, told AFP that attention is intensifying regarding China’s role as preparations for the talks proceed in Pakistan.
"China has been asked to serve as guarantor, and Iran wants a guarantor," the source said.
Russia, the main alternative candidate, is deeply embroiled in the Russia-Ukraine war and would not be acceptable to Western countries, especially the European Union (EU), making China the 'best choice'.
China maintains close ties with both Pakistan and Iran. Despite years of stringent sanctions led by the United States, China has remained Iran’s largest trading partner. Meanwhile, Pakistan is a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with China investing billions in local infrastructure projects. The two governments refer to each other as "ironclad brothers".
Mushahid Hussain Sayed, former Pakistani senator and former chair of the Senate Committee on Defense and Foreign Affairs, said: "As close allies and neighbors, Pakistan and China have coordinated closely from day one, striving to end hostilities... Given Iran’s mistrust of the duo—U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu—China, as the ultimate guarantor, will be crucial in finalizing any final peace agreement."
However, China has remained relatively low-key in promoting peace, merely reiterating its ongoing efforts to mediate and urging all parties to end hostilities.
Analysts and officials note that it remains uncertain whether China will publicly assume the role of formal guarantor in the future.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862086662797321/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author