Pakistan TV: Key Mediator in US-Iran Talks, General Munir, Visits China

Central News Agency, Islamabad, May 25. Pakistani television reported today that Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are in Beijing for meetings with Chinese leaders. AFP reported that Munir, along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, visited Tehran on the 22nd and 23rd to mediate an end to the Iran conflict. China has stated it will work with Pakistan to 'contribute positively to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.' Sharif began a four-day official visit to China in Hangzhou on the 23rd. Pakistan has become a key mediator between the US and Iran, hosting historic face-to-face talks last month, though no lasting agreement was reached. China has played a more low-key role, facilitating communications between affected Gulf officials. Footage showed Sharif and Munir meeting Chinese leaders in Beijing, where Sharif remarked, 'The world is at a critical juncture.' He added, 'Pakistan is playing a sincere mediating role. The Army Chief just finished his Tehran trip and did not want to miss this important visit. The situation is moving in the right direction. I want to thank China for its support in promoting peace.' Pakistan hosted the only direct US-Iran talks since the war began in April, with Munir playing a central role, but negotiations eventually collapsed after Iran accused the US of making 'excessive demands.'