China seen as potential guarantor in Iran-US talks

China is increasingly being viewed as a potential guarantor in any future negotiations between Iran and the United States, as diplomatic efforts intensify with Pakistan playing an active intermediary role.

According to Vali Nasr, Tehran has been seeking firm guarantees in any prospective agreement with Washington. He indicated that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was visiting China to explore the possibility of Beijing acting as a guarantor. However, Nasr noted that such a proposal would likely have been informally discussed with both Washington and Beijing beforehand, and there remains no certainty over China’s willingness to assume this role.

Ishaq Dar visit China for key diplomatic talks

The remarks come as Dar undertook his visit at the invitation of Wang Yi, reflecting Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key facilitator, reportedly conveying messages between Tehran and Washington during the conflict.

Meanwhile, a recent quadrilateral meeting involving the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the region.

Separately, Mushahid Hussain Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, emphasized that China’s role at this stage is highly significant. He stated that Iran requires a credible guarantor for any ceasefire arrangement and suggested that Beijing could fulfil that responsibility.

Syed also indicated that China may seek progress toward a ceasefire ahead of a potential visit by Donald Trump, reportedly expected in May, linking diplomatic momentum to broader geopolitical developments.