A Chinese delegation is due to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday to assist Pakistani mediation in negotiations between the US and Iran , with Beijing potentially offering guarantees if the two sides reach an agreement, according to a Pakistani foreign ministry source cited by The New Arab's sister outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed .
Islamabad is hosting the talks amid continuing tension between Washington and Tehran, with the Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati and several members of parliament.
The delegation also includes security, political, military, economic and legal committees.
The US delegation is headed by Vice President JD Vance and includes envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The Pakistani source said China "may offer guarantees" if the negotiations produce a solution.
The report follows claims by The New York Times earlier this week, citing three unnamed Iranian officials, that Tehran agreed to the ceasefire not only because of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts but also due to last-minute Chinese intervention urging flexibility and de-escalation to prevent the situation in the Middle East from spiralling further.
Chinese officials have not publicly confirmed any such role. Asked on Wednesday whether Beijing had helped persuade Iran to accept the deal, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning neither confirmed nor denied involvement, saying only that China would "maintain communication with all parties and continue working toward de-escalation and achieving a comprehensive ceasefire".
She added that China welcomed the ceasefire arrangements and supported mediation efforts by countries such as Pakistan, saying Beijing had consistently worked for a ceasefire and the resolution of disputes through diplomatic channels.
Mao also said China hoped all sides would cooperate to allow the resumption of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible".
A senior Pakistani source separately told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that officials in the foreign ministry are trying to persuade the Iranian delegation to drop its preconditions and enter negotiations "with a new spirit".
According to the source, the Iranian side still insists that the US delegation must first announce implementation of all points of the temporary ceasefire before formal negotiations can begin.
Pakistani officials have urged the Iranian delegation to take part in talks "without preconditions" and to discuss all outstanding issues at the negotiating table, the source said, adding that there are "positive signals" from the Iranian side.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry has also invited Saudi Arabia to send a diplomatic delegation to oversee the talks. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan visited Islamabad on Friday and met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a statement, Pakistan’s prime minister’s office said Sharif expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued economic and financial support over the years, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the kingdom in trade, investment and economic development.