Islamabad/Washington: In a phone call on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed rising tensions in the Middle East and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to promoting stability and preventing nuclear proliferation — with particular emphasis on Iran.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio underlined that Iran must never be allowed to develop or obtain a nuclear weapon. The two leaders agreed on the urgent need to work together in pursuit of a durable peace between Israel and Iran, amid fresh efforts by Washington to re-engage Tehran diplomatically.
The call reflects a notable shift in U.S. outreach toward Pakistan at a time when the Trump administration is reportedly considering launching a new initiative with Iran, potentially as early as next week.
Rubio’s comments, particularly his firm stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, may be interpreted in different ways. For some, they signal a deepening U.S.-Pakistan alignment on key regional concerns. Others may view them as recognition of Islamabad’s potential role as a stabilizing force in an increasingly volatile region.
This latest exchange adds to a growing list of high-level contacts between Washington and Islamabad. Just last week, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over what he described as a “cordial and productive discussion” between President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
That meeting — held at the White House — was especially significant. Munir became the first sitting Pakistani army chief to be formally received by a U.S. president, a move widely seen as a nod to the military’s central role in shaping Pakistan’s foreign and security policy.
According to the military’s media wing, the discussion at the White House focused on joint counterterrorism efforts and the potential for expanded bilateral trade.
Speaking afterward at a NATO summit in The Hague, President Trump offered rare insight into the behind-the-scenes diplomacy that reportedly helped defuse a recent crisis between India and Pakistan.
“The most serious of these conflicts was the recent nuclear scare between India and Pakistan,” Trump said. “This wasn’t about hypothetical weapons like in the Middle East. They have them.”
He recounted how he pressured both sides by linking peace to trade. “I told them — if you’re going to keep fighting, we’re not doing a trade deal,” Trump said. “They backed off… and we avoided a nuclear war.”
Though he didn’t mention General Munir by name, Trump has previously praised the Pakistani commander as “an exceptional human being and an inspiring personality.”
These remarks — aligning closely with Pakistan’s account of the crisis — stand in contrast to India’s version, which insists that New Delhi acted independently and rejected any third-party role. Trump’s statements suggest otherwise, highlighting the possibility of U.S. mediation behind closed doors.
The U.S. president also made a pointed comment during his post-summit briefing: “The Pakistanis know Iran very well — better than most. But they’re not happy.”
While brief, the remark reflects Washington’s evolving view of Pakistan — not just as a South Asian power, but as a state with deep understanding of the Middle East’s complex dynamics.
In that context, Secretary Rubio’s call with PM Shehbaz appears to be more than routine. It signals a growing U.S. interest in tapping into Pakistan’s regional experience, especially as the White House revisits its approach toward Tehran.
Ultimately, Rubio’s tough stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions reinforces a long-standing U.S. priority. For Pakistan, the call presents an opportunity: to position itself as a constructive and credible voice in efforts to secure peace — not just in South Asia, but in the broader Middle East.
Observers say this moment of diplomacy could carry lasting implications, offering Islamabad a rare chance to shape conversations — and outcomes — far beyond its traditional sphere.
