Rubio to meet Pakistan FM Dar in Washington amid renewed momentum in US-Iran deal
Washington DC, May 29
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Washington, DC on Friday, amidst the ongoing US-Iran deal.
According to the daily schedule released by the US Department of State, it stated, "10:00 a.m. (local time) Secretary Rubio meets with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Department of State."
The meeting comes as US Vice President JD Vance said Washington is "very close" to achieving a broader strategic agreement in West Asia, asserting that recent US actions will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, weaken Iran's conventional military capabilities, and position the United States to significantly delay Tehran's nuclear programme. Currently, Pakistan is acting as the mediator amidst the ongoing US-Iran deal.
Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Dar would travel to Washington after concluding engagements at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other meetings in New York.
In a statement, the ministry said, "Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, after concluding his engagements at the United Nations Security Council and other meetings in New York, will depart for an official visit to Washington, D.C. tomorrow, 29 May 2026."
It added that during the visit, Dar " will meet with the United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio, to review bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
"The discussions will also focus on strengthening cooperation in key priority sectors, as well as Pakistan's efforts to promote regional peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy," the statement said.
Meanwhile, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller said Iran has made "significant, material, and dramatic concessions" to the United States in ongoing negotiations, while stressing that no agreement has been finalised.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Miller said recent developments marked a major shift in US-Iran engagement compared to previous months.
"Iran has made significant, material, and dramatic concessions to the United States that would have been impossible only a short time ago," Miller said.
At the same time, he cautioned that negotiations remain incomplete and emphasised that US President Donald Trump continues to retain broad authority to act in defence of American interests.
"But again, there's no deal until there's a deal, nothing's final until it's final, and President Trump has been clear -- that he reserves the option now, or any time in the future, to do whatever is necessary to defend and protect America's national security," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, why is Pakistan the mediator? India has far better relations with both US and Iran. We should be the ones facilitating this deal. But typical - our diplomatic machinery sleeps while others take credit. 😐
If this deal stabilizes the region, it's good for everyone - including India. Lower oil prices, less tension in Gulf = more Indians safe there. My cousin works in Dubai and he's worried every time there's tension. Hope Dar talks sense. 🤞
Yaar, every time Pakistan gets involved in something, they end up giving concessions at our expense. Remember how they used Afghan peace talks to arm Taliban? Uncle Rubio should know better than to trust Dar. India needs to watch this closely. 👀
As an American who has worked in India, I find this interesting. Pakistan is clearly trying to regain relevance after being sidelined. India should step up its own diplomacy - you have more credibility with both sides than anyone else in the region.
Honestly, if this deal goes through, Iran gets relief from sanctions and Pakistan gets some credibility. Meanwhile, India keeps paying market price for oil. But I guess peace is better than war. Just wish our government would proactively engage too. 🕊️
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