US-Iran Talks: Pakistan and China Urge Immediate Ceasefire and Return to Dialogue

SHANGHAI: US-Iran Talks took centre stage on Friday as Pakistan and China jointly urged Washington and Tehran to end hostilities immediately and return to negotiations, following a high-level meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai.

According to a statement issued by China’s Foreign Ministry, both leaders expressed concern over the worsening regional security situation and called on all parties to exercise restraint.

Wang Yi said the preliminary agreement reached earlier to reduce tensions represented a significant diplomatic achievement and urged all sides to preserve the opportunity for peace.

“Peace is before our eyes. We cannot fall at the last hurdle, and even more so cannot lose what we have gained,” Wang said.

Dar travelled to Shanghai to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), where he also participated in discussions on regional cooperation and emerging technologies.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the two leaders reviewed the full scope of Pakistan-China relations and expressed satisfaction over the continued strength of the bilateral partnership.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and advancing high-quality development under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0.

Global AI: Xi Jinping Promotes China’s Open-Source Vision as Pakistan Joins WAICO

The ministers agreed to expand practical cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy and artificial intelligence.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and pledged to maintain close coordination through regular consultations on issues of mutual interest while continuing cooperation at multilateral forums.

The Foreign Office said the meeting reflected the shared commitment of both countries to innovation-driven development and deeper collaboration in emerging technologies.

The discussions took place as tensions in the Middle East escalated following renewed exchanges between the United States and Iran. Iranian authorities said they launched fresh attacks on US facilities in the Gulf after several consecutive nights of American strikes targeting Iranian military installations.

The renewed fighting has raised concerns over the future of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed on June 18, which sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and create conditions for renewed negotiations.

Pakistan, which has continued diplomatic engagement with both Washington and Tehran, reiterated its call for restraint and urged all parties to avoid actions that could further threaten regional peace and stability.

Earlier this year, Pakistan and China jointly proposed a five-point peace initiative aimed at restoring stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East following a meeting between Dar and Wang in Beijing.