Pakistan, Iran explore new US talks in China-led diplomatic push

Pakistan and Iran are reportedly considering new diplomatic talks with the United States, according to sources, as part of a China-initiated effort. This development is occurring amid ongoing tensions in the US-Iran conflict, where ceasefire efforts have been fragile. Pakistan has played a significant role as a mediator in the conflict, with China publicly supporting its efforts. This news suggests that diplomatic channels remain active and could lead to potential meetings, possibly in locations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), although no official confirmation has been made. Current market data shows varied sentiment regarding the likelihood of a US-Iran meeting occurring in specific locations by the end of September 2026. The probability of a meeting in the UAE is relatively low, with odds standing at 0.1% to 34.1% across different sub-markets. Meanwhile, the possibility of a meeting in Pakistan holds a 10% likelihood, reflecting some market optimism about Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts. These probabilities suggest that market participants view announced talks as a potential catalyst but remain cautious given the geopolitical complexities. The involvement of China in pr...