WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday thanked Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for Islamabad’s “constructive role” in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran during high-level talks in Washington.
According to the US State Department, Rubio and Dar discussed the importance of strengthening cooperation to promote “security and prosperity for both Americans and Pakistanis.”
The statement also said Rubio expressed condolences over the recent terrorist attack in Quetta, which killed more than 10 people and injured several others in a suicide bombing targeting a shuttle train.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office separately confirmed the meeting, saying Rubio acknowledged Islamabad’s “sincere diplomatic and mediatory efforts for peace and stability in the region and beyond.”
Both sides reportedly expressed satisfaction over improving Pakistan–US relations and reviewed regional and global developments, including ongoing tensions involving Iran.
They agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including trade, investment, security, and counterterrorism, while also committing to maintain high-level diplomatic engagement.
Dar’s visit to Washington followed a three-day trip to New York for United Nations-related meetings. He was received at the airport by Pakistan’s ambassador to the US and senior embassy officials.
The visit comes amid reports of progress in US–Iran diplomatic contacts aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and opening negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, though final approval reportedly rests with US President Donald Trump.
US sources cited in reports say both sides have discussed a draft understanding involving steps such as easing restrictions on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and reducing maritime tensions, though details remain unfinalised.
Iranian sources, however, have cautioned that no agreement is final until formally announced by Tehran, and said Pakistan would be informed if a deal is reached.
