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Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Washington on Friday for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Pakistan's Foreign Office and the US State Department. The meeting comes as Islamabad continues its efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran amid ongoing negotiations to end the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Dar met with Rubio at the State Department, with the two sides later issuing statements underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship. The visit was announced earlier in the week, with the Foreign Office saying the talks would focus on bilateral relations, regional developments, and Pakistan's role in promoting peace through dialogue.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the visit drew from multiple official sources, with accounts consistent across outlets. Dawn, Pakistan's leading English-language daily, reported on the meeting's logistics and the issues on the agenda, while the Jerusalem Post, citing Reuters, focused on the broader context of the US-Iran ceasefire negotiations. All sources confirmed that Dar met Rubio and that the schedule included a return flight to Islamabad later in the day.

According to Dawn, Dar arrived in Washington after a three-day visit to New York for UN-related meetings. On arrival, he was received by Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, along with senior embassy officials. The Foreign Office described the visit as reflecting Pakistan's commitment to deepening its partnership with the United States.

Key Claims

  • Dar-Rubio meeting: Multiple sources confirmed that the meeting took place, with the State Department issuing a statement afterward. According to the statement, the two agreed on "the importance of working together to further strengthen a meaningful partnership" that fosters security and prosperity for both countries.
  • Pakistan's mediation role: Dar said Washington "deeply appreciates" Pakistan's efforts to ease tensions between the US and Iran. This was echoed in a State Department statement thanking Dar for Pakistan's "constructive role" in peace efforts in the Middle East.
  • Quetta condolences: Rubio expressed condolences for victims of the recent terrorist attack in Quetta. According to the State Department, Rubio conveyed his sympathies for the victims of the suicide bombing targeting a shuttle train, which claimed more than 10 lives. The attack occurred on Sunday, and Dar's meeting took place Friday.
  • Palestine stance: Dar reiterated Pakistan's firm position on Palestine, saying there could be no change in Islamabad's stance toward Israel without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This response came during a press conference at Pakistan's embassy, when asked about US President Donald Trump's urging of Muslim countries to join the Abraham Accords.
  • US-Iran ceasefire negotiations: Multiple sources reported that US and Iranian negotiators have edged toward a deal to extend the fragile ceasefire for 60 days, with reports indicating an initial agreement on a memorandum of understanding. However, the agreement still requires approval from President Trump. Iran's Tasnim news agency said the agreement had not been finalized, adding that it had undergone changes in recent days.

Perspectives

The meeting takes place against a backdrop of active US-Iran diplomacy. According to reporting from Dawn and the Jerusalem Post, a first round of peace talks in Pakistan concluded without a pact. However, Reuters reported that Tehran and Washington had reached an initial agreement to extend the ceasefire announced in April and lift restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The potential breakthrough was still hanging on President Trump's approval, with Vice President JD Vance saying the two sides were "close" to a deal but "not there yet."

Pakistan's role in the negotiations was highlighted by both sides. Dar noted that the US appreciated Pakistan's mediation efforts, and the State Department's statement echoed that sentiment. However, the details of the proposed agreement — including terms on shipping rights, mine removal, and a possible US naval blockade — were reported by Axios and confirmed by US sources, though no official announcement has been made.

In response to questions about the Abraham Accords, Dar said Pakistan remains "constantly steadfast" on its position on Palestine and Gaza, insisting that any change in ties with Israel would require a Palestinian state. His comments came amid Trump's reported urging of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to join the normalization agreements.

At the time of writing, President Trump had said he was making a "final determination" on the Iran deal, and the agreement had not been finalized. The discussions between Dar and Rubio were seen as part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts, with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, leading the mediation effort on the Pakistani side.