US calls on Pakistan to support peace efforts in Iran-Israel conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ‘encouraged’ Pakistan to use its strong ties with Iran to support ongoing international efforts aimed at de-escalating the Iran-Israel conflict, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement on Friday.

Rubio made the remarks during a phone call with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which both leaders discussed the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.

The war between Iran and Israel has now entered its second week, triggered by Israeli airstrikes last Friday targeting what it described as Iranian nuclear weapons sites. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks that struck deep inside Israeli territory. Official figures say hundreds have been killed in Iran, with dozens more casualties reported in Israel.

Israel’s strikes have hit military and nuclear installations, reportedly killing senior officials and scientists. Iran, though heavily hit, has managed to breach Israel’s Iron Dome, targeting civilian and commercial sites including a hospital, a tech park, and the Tel Aviv stock exchange.

Amid mounting international concern, European leaders also met Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva today in a bid to negotiate a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Russia and China have condemned Israeli actions and called for de-escalation -- yet both sides continue to show little sign of backing down.

Against this backdrop, the U.S. official praised Pakistan’s regional influence and urged Islamabad to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue.

Prime Minister Sharif responded by underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to peace and its readiness to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and diplomacy. “The situation is deeply worrying not just for the region but for the world at large,” he said, calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The two also discussed South Asian security, with PM Sharif reiterating the importance of sustained dialogue with India.

He welcomed President Donald Trump’s recent statements supporting peace in the region and reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to engage on all key issues, including Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, trade, and counter-terrorism.

Sharif also praised Rubio’s diplomatic role in helping Pakistan and India reach a ceasefire understanding earlier this year, calling it a vital step in averting a major crisis between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

On bilateral ties, the premier highlighted the need for deeper cooperation in trade, energy, technology, and investment.

He also expressed satisfaction over the “productive discussions” between President Trump and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, held in Washington earlier in the week.

Rubio, for his part, welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism and assured continued U.S. support in dealing with threats from groups such as the TTP and BLA. He expressed a desire to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest and to continue dialogue on regional and global peace.

The prime minister extended invitations to both President Trump and Secretary Rubio to visit Pakistan, expressing hope for continued high-level engagement between the two countries.