Pakistan and Iran are exploring a possible path toward renewed negotiations with the United States (US) as part of a new diplomatic initiative supported by China, Reuters reported, citing several sources familiar with the discussions.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar discussed the Middle East initiative with Chinese officials last week. Islamabad is reportedly examining ways to facilitate the resumption of US-Iran talks aimed at ending the ongoing regional conflict.

“The Chinese are unhappy because Iran’s attacks on other Gulf states and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are hitting their interests,” a Pakistani government official said. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and the main buyer of Iranian Crude Oil, making the disruption to regional trade and energy flows particularly significant for Beijing.

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni also visited Islamabad within the past ten days. Momeni, who is considered close to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, met with Pakistani government officials and Army Chief Asim Munir this week, according to official Pakistani statements.

However, sources cautioned that major obstacles remain before negotiations with Washington can resume. A halt to ongoing military attacks is reportedly viewed as a non-negotiable condition for any return to diplomatic talks.