Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir has told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that a potential agreement between the United States and Iran may be close, as Islamabad steps up diplomatic efforts to mediate between the two rivals.

According to Chinese state media, Munir made the remarks during talks in Beijing held alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China.

Pakistan Pushes Mediation Role

Munir reportedly briefed Wang on recent developments in Pakistan’s efforts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The meeting followed Munir’s recent visit to Iran, where he held discussions with Iranian leaders amid continuing regional instability.

Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a diplomatic intermediary between the US and Iran in recent months.

China Backs Islamabad’s Efforts

According to reports, Munir said Pakistan was ready to continue facilitating talks and expressed hope that China would play a larger role in the process.

Wang reportedly described Pakistan as a trustworthy mediator and said Beijing appreciated Islamabad’s diplomatic initiatives.

Xi Praises Pakistan

Chinese President Xi Jinping also met Sharif in Beijing on Monday, praising Pakistan’s role in supporting regional peace and reaffirming the countries’ close strategic partnership.

Pakistan previously hosted direct talks between US and Iranian officials earlier this year, although negotiations later stalled over key disagreements.

(with inputs from Reuters)