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Ex-US NSA McMaster: Pakistan a 'Client' of China in Iran Talks

Former U.S. National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster has sharply questioned Pakistan's role in mediating between the U.S. and Iran, describing the country as a "client" of China. He warned that Pakistan's offer to broker talks likely involves "ulterior motives," aligned with Beijing's strategic interest in preserving the current Iranian regime. McMaster accused China of financially propping up Tehran by purchasing the vast majority of its oil, effectively feeding the regime's "ATM." He also reiterated long-standing criticisms of Pakistan's security establishment, accusing it of a dual policy of offering counter-terror cooperation while simultaneously supporting terrorist groups as a tool of foreign policy.

Key Points: Ex-US NSA Calls Pakistan China's 'Client' in Iran Diplomacy

  • Pakistan acting as China's client state
  • Warning of ulterior motives in mediation
  • China buys 90% of Iran's oil to fund regime
  • Accusation of Pakistan's dual-track terrorism policy
  • Geopolitical competition in Middle East
2 min read

Former US NSA raises concerns over Pakistan's motives in Iran talks, calls it China's 'client' (IANS Exclusive)

H.R. McMaster warns of Pakistan's "ulterior motives" in US-Iran talks, labeling it a client state of China seeking to preserve the Iranian regime.

"I think what you have to do is consider Pakistan as certainly a client of the Chinese Communist Party. - H.R. McMaster"

Washington, April 22

Former US National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster has cast doubt on Pakistan's role in Iran-related diplomacy, describing it as a "client" of China and warning of "ulterior motives" in its mediation efforts.

"I think what you have to do is consider Pakistan as certainly a client of the Chinese Communist Party," McMaster told IANS in an exclusive interview when asked about the role of Pakistan in mediating between the US and Iran.

The second round of talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad was called off by President Donald Trump on Tuesday afternoon (local time).

McMaster, in response to a question, argued that Beijing has a vested interest in preserving the current Iranian regime. "The Chinese Communist Party... is desperate to keep the Islamic Republic... in power in Iran," said McMaster, who served as the national security advisor to President Trump in his first term.

Given that context, McMaster suggested Pakistan's offer to broker talks may not be neutral. "There is probably an ulterior motive here in offering their good offices to broker these talks," he said.

Drawing on his experience, McMaster delivered a blunt assessment of Pakistan's security establishment.

"My experience with the Pakistani army has been one of great disappointment," he said.

He accused Pakistan of pursuing a dual-track approach in security cooperation. "Pakistan often offers to be your friend and to assist... in counter-terrorism efforts... while at the same time... they're supporting your enemies," he said.

Referring to long-standing concerns raised by India, he added that such behaviour is not new. "They've been using terrorist organisations as an arm of their foreign policy since the late 1940s," he said.

McMaster linked Pakistan's positioning to wider geopolitical competition, especially China's role in the Middle East. According to him, Beijing's economic engagement with Iran -- including large-scale oil purchases -- provides the Iranian regime with financial resources.

"They buy 90 per cent of Iran's oil to feed the Iranian regime's ATM," he said, adding that such support enables Tehran to sustain its regional activities.

McMaster argued that these dynamics make it difficult to view Pakistan's diplomatic role in isolation from China's strategic interests.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a complex geopolitical chessboard. While McMaster's points about Pakistan's dual policy are valid, we must also be cautious about viewing everything through a "China client" lens. Regional stability is fragile, and any mediation, even if not perfectly neutral, is better than no talks at all. 🤔
V
Vikram M
"They've been using terrorist organisations as an arm of their foreign policy since the late 1940s." This line says it all. The world is slowly waking up to the reality we've lived with. Their role in any talks cannot be trusted. Period.
S
Sarah B
As someone following international relations, this is a stark assessment. The China-Pakistan-Iran axis is a major concern. If 90% of Iran's oil is bought by China, it completely changes the leverage in any negotiation. The US and India need to coordinate policy closely on this.
R
Rohit P
McMaster is right, but let's not forget the US's own role in creating this monster by supporting the Pakistani military for decades. Now calling them China's client? It's a bit rich. Everyone plays the great game. India must focus on building its own economic and strategic strength.
K
Kavya N
The part about the Pakistani army is so true. Their establishment never acts in good faith. For the common Pakistani citizen, this is sad, but for India's security, we cannot afford any illusions. Hope the US policy makers are listening this time. 🙏

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