Pakistan Reports Ongoing Iran-US Talks Amid Alleged Chinese Missile Deal for Tehran

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry announced that Iranian and US representatives are engaged in ongoing discussions to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East. The ministry stated that negotiations are particularly focused on the Strait of Hormuz and broader de-escalation efforts.

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Negotiations between parties are ongoing, particularly on [the] Strait of Hormuz and to deescalate.

Pakistan, acting as a key mediator, is reportedly working to bring all parties back to the protocols of the Islamabad accord, a ceasefire deal signed in mid-June intended to facilitate further peace talks. These diplomatic efforts continue despite earlier exchanges of fire between Iran and the US.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Iran may soon receive a shipment of up to 400 Chinese shoulder-fired air defense missiles. Citing three sources familiar with the deal, Reuters reported the purchase of 300 to 400 MANPADS, including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, for an estimated $60 million to $70 million. This deal is described as one of Tehran's significant efforts to bolster its short-range air defenses, which have been exposed since the conflict began.

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Pakistan... was 'doing everything possible to bring all parties back to the protocols of the Islamabad accord'.

However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has vehemently denied the report, labeling it "completely groundless" and reiterating Beijing's commitment to promoting peace. A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson also stated unfamiliarity with the situation. Neither the Iranian Foreign Ministry nor the intermediary investment firm has commented on the alleged arms deal.

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The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called the Reuters report 'completely groundless' and insisted that Beijing has 'consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict.'