Washington DC [US], June 25: In a significant diplomatic move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
According to US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio emphasized during the call that the United States is firm in its stance: “Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.” The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining regional stability and exploring diplomatic solutions to promote long-term peace between Israel and Iran.
“Secretary Rubio emphasised Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The two leaders acknowledged the importance of working together to promote durable peace and regional stability,” Bruce said.
This conversation comes just days after the United States executed Operation Midnight Hammer, a targeted military operation aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure. The US struck three critical nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — in a coordinated air raid.
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, detailed the operation during a Pentagon briefing.
“At approximately 6:40 PM EST (2:10 AM Iran time), the lead B-2 dropped GBU-57 MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) weapons on the first of several aim points at Fordow,” Caine said.
He added that the mission was conducted under the command of General Erik Kurilla of US Central Command, following President’s orders.
The US strike follows Iran’s recent retaliatory campaign, “Operation True Promise 3,” in response to Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” launched on June 13. The exchange has further intensified tensions in the already volatile Middle East region, raising global concerns over the threat of nuclear conflict.
As diplomatic conversations continue, Rubio’s outreach to Pakistan underscores Washington’s intent to involve key regional players in preventing nuclear escalation and fostering peace in the region.