US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has praised Pakistan’s role in Iran peace talks, saying Islamabad is helping support diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he said a “true friendship” is developing between the United States and Pakistan. He credited Pakistan for playing what he called an “outstanding” role in efforts to restart dialogue aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
Hegseth specifically praised Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for their involvement in supporting discussions between the United States United States and Iran.
He said Pakistan has been acting as an important facilitator in bringing both sides back to negotiations after weeks of conflict and rising regional tensions.
The US position remains that any final agreement will depend on strict conditions set by President Donald Trump, including limits on Iran’s nuclear programme and other security-related demands.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated earlier this year, leading to military exchanges that disrupted regional stability and impacted key global shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. A temporary ceasefire was later achieved with Pakistan’s mediation, followed by rare direct talks between US and Iranian officials in Islamabad.
Although those talks ended without a breakthrough, diplomatic engagement has continued. Iran has publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts, while US officials have also described Islamabad as a key mediator in ongoing negotiations aimed at preventing further escalation.