US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who is on a state visit to India said on Monday (May 25) that New Delhi has its regular concerns with Pakistan about "armed terrorist groups operating from Pakistani territory that target India," but no question has ever come up regarding Pakistan's role as mediator in the US-Iran war.&nbsp;"They're always concerned about, obviously. India is always pointing to the fact that there are armed terrorist groups operating from Pakistani territory that target India. They're always concerned about that. But as far as the role they played as a mediator and a facilitator in the Iran situation, it never came up. I don't think that they would complain about that. I mean, their issue with Pakistan is different,' said Rubio when asked if the Indian side raised any concerns regarding Pakistan playing the role of a mediator in the US-Iran conflict.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-us-iran-peace-deal-happen-final-agreement-with-us-not-imminent-but-reached-conclusion-on-many-topics-says-baghaei-1779695910706">Will US-Iran peace deal happen? 'Final agreement with US not imminent but reached conclusion on many topics', says Baghaei</a><h2>How close is the peace deal?</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Monday directed his negotiation team “not to rush into a deal” with Tehran.&nbsp;In a post on Truth Social he said, “The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed. Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!”.&nbsp;This comes after Trump on Saturday (May 23) said that an agreement had been "largely negotiated" between the two countries, sparking speculation of an announcement.&nbsp;Iran foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also gave similar signal by saying the two sides are both "very close and very far" from reaching an agreement.&nbsp;

This comes after Trump on Saturday (May 23) said that an agreement had been largely negotiated between the two countries, sparking speculation of an announcement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who is on a state visit to India said on Monday (May 25) that New Delhi has its regular concerns with Pakistan about "armed terrorist groups operating from Pakistani territory that target India," but no question has ever come up regarding Pakistan's role as mediator in the US-Iran war. "They're always concerned about, obviously. India is always pointing to the fact that there are armed terrorist groups operating from Pakistani territory that target India. They're always concerned about that. But as far as the role they played as a mediator and a facilitator in the Iran situation, it never came up. I don't think that they would complain about that. I mean, their issue with Pakistan is different,' said Rubio when asked if the Indian side raised any concerns regarding Pakistan playing the role of a mediator in the US-Iran conflict. ALSO READ: Will US-Iran peace deal happen? 'Final agreement with US not imminent but reached conclusion on many topics', says Baghaei How close is the peace deal? Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Monday directed his negotiation team “not to rush into a deal” with Tehran. In a post on Truth Social he said, “The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed. Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!”. This comes after Trump on Saturday (May 23) said that an agreement had been "largely negotiated" between the two countries, sparking speculation of an announcement. Iran foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also gave similar signal by saying the two sides are both "very close and very far" from reaching an agreement.

This comes after Trump on Saturday (May 23) said that an agreement had been "largely negotiated" between the two countries, sparking speculation of an announcement.

'Don't think they will complain': India never raised Pakistan mediation role on Iran-US war, says Marco Rubio

Pakistan has deployed as many as 8,000 troops, a full squadron of fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia following the mutual defence pact signed in September 2025, ramping up military cooperation with Riyadh even as it plays the main mediator in the Iran war.&nbsp;The deployment was confirmed by three Pakistani security officials and two government sources, all of whom described it as a substantial, combat-capable force intended to support Saudi Arabia’s military if the kingdom comes under further attack, reported Reuters.&nbsp;However, Pakistan’s military and foreign office and Saudi Arabia's government media office did not respond to requests for comment on the deployment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-s-ties-with-norway-trusted-futuristic-and-long-term-says-pm-modi-conferred-nation-s-highest-honour-1779109524256">India’s ties with Norway ‘trusted, futuristic, and long-term,’ says PM Modi; conferred nation’s highest honour</a>&nbsp;The full terms of the defence agreement, signed on 17 September last year, are confidential, but both sides have said it requires Pakistan and Saudi Arabia ⁠to come to each other’s defence in the event of an attack on either.&nbsp;Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had previously implied that it places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.&nbsp;According to the sources, Pakistan sent a full squadron of around 16 aircraft, mostly JF-17 fighters made jointly with China, to Saudi Arabia in early April. Two security officials said Pakistan had also sent two squadrons of drones.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2-us-fighter-jets-collide-mid-air-crash-during-air-show-at-idaho-s-mountain-home-air-force-base-video-1779049925431">2 US fighter jets collide mid-air, crash during air show at Idaho’s Mountain Home Air Force Base | Video</a>&nbsp;All five sources said the deployment includes around 8,000 troops, with a pledge to send more if needed, as well as a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system. The equipment is operated by Pakistani personnel and financed by Saudi Arabia, they said.&nbsp;Two security officials said the military and air force personnel deployed during the Iran conflict will primarily have an advisory and training role. Both officials had seen exchanges between the two countries and documents on the military assets’ deployment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-silence-of-virgin-girl-counts-as-consent-taliban-formally-recognises-child-marriage-1779047427905">‘Silence of virgin girl counts as consent’: Taliban formally recognises child marriage</a>&nbsp;The new deployment is in addition to the thousands of Pakistani troops ⁠with a combat role that were already stationed in the kingdom under previous agreements, the security officials said.&nbsp;One of the government sources, who was privy to the text of the confidential defence pact, said it provides for the possibility of up to 80,000 Pakistani troops being deployed to Saudi Arabia, to help secure its borders alongside Saudi forces.&nbsp;Two officials said the agreement also involved the deployment of Pakistani warships, but Reuters reported that it could not determine whether any had reached Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-clock-is-ticking-for-iran-there-won-t-be-anything-left-of-them-says-trump-in-new-warning-1779038047114">‘Clock is ticking for Iran, there won’t be anything left of them,’ says Trump in new warning</a>&nbsp;It was previously reported that Pakistan had sent jets to Saudi Arabia after Iranian strikes hit key energy infrastructure and killed a Saudi national, raising concerns that the kingdom might retaliate and ⁠widen the conflict.&nbsp;Later on, Pakistan took up the role of the war’s principal mediator to broker a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad hosted the only round of the direct US-Iranian peace talks so far, while the planned second round was called off.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-israel-trying-to-pit-muslim-nations-against-one-another-says-president-masoud-pezeshkian-1779035524085">US and Israel trying to pit Muslim nations against one another, says President Masoud Pezeshkian</a>&nbsp;Saudi Arabia has reportedly launched numerous unpublicised strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks carried out inside the kingdom.Pakistan provides military support to Saudi Arabia, which has consistently stepped in to support Islamabad financially during periods of economic stress.

Islamabad sent a full squadron of around 16 aircraft, mostly JF-17 fighters made jointly with China, to Saudi Arabia in early April, besides 8000 troops and an air defence system. Two security officials said Pakistan had also sent two squadrons of drones.

Pakistan has deployed as many as 8,000 troops, a full squadron of fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia following the mutual defence pact signed in September 2025, ramping up military cooperation with Riyadh even as it plays the main mediator in the Iran war. The deployment was confirmed by three Pakistani security officials and two government sources, all of whom described it as a substantial, combat-capable force intended to support Saudi Arabia’s military if the kingdom comes under further attack, reported Reuters. However, Pakistan’s military and foreign office and Saudi Arabia's government media office did not respond to requests for comment on the deployment. Also Read: India’s ties with Norway ‘trusted, futuristic, and long-term,’ says PM Modi; conferred nation’s highest honour The full terms of the defence agreement, signed on 17 September last year, are confidential, but both sides have said it requires Pakistan and Saudi Arabia ⁠to come to each other’s defence in the event of an attack on either. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had previously implied that it places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella. According to the sources, Pakistan sent a full squadron of around 16 aircraft, mostly JF-17 fighters made jointly with China, to Saudi Arabia in early April. Two security officials said Pakistan had also sent two squadrons of drones. Also Read: 2 US fighter jets collide mid-air, crash during air show at Idaho’s Mountain Home Air Force Base | Video All five sources said the deployment includes around 8,000 troops, with a pledge to send more if needed, as well as a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system. The equipment is operated by Pakistani personnel and financed by Saudi Arabia, they said. Two security officials said the military and air force personnel deployed during the Iran conflict will primarily have an advisory and training role. Both officials had seen exchanges between the two countries and documents on the military assets’ deployment. Also Read: ‘Silence of virgin girl counts as consent’: Taliban formally recognises child marriage The new deployment is in addition to the thousands of Pakistani troops ⁠with a combat role that were already stationed in the kingdom under previous agreements, the security officials said. One of the government sources, who was privy to the text of the confidential defence pact, said it provides for the possibility of up to 80,000 Pakistani troops being deployed to Saudi Arabia, to help secure its borders alongside Saudi forces. Two officials said the agreement also involved the deployment of Pakistani warships, but Reuters reported that it could not determine whether any had reached Saudi Arabia. Also Read: ‘Clock is ticking for Iran, there won’t be anything left of them,’ says Trump in new warning It was previously reported that Pakistan had sent jets to Saudi Arabia after Iranian strikes hit key energy infrastructure and killed a Saudi national, raising concerns that the kingdom might retaliate and ⁠widen the conflict. Later on, Pakistan took up the role of the war’s principal mediator to broker a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad hosted the only round of the direct US-Iranian peace talks so far, while the planned second round was called off. Also Read: US and Israel trying to pit Muslim nations against one another, says President Masoud Pezeshkian Saudi Arabia has reportedly launched numerous unpublicised strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks carried out inside the kingdom. Pakistan provides military support to Saudi Arabia, which has consistently stepped in to support Islamabad financially during periods of economic stress.

Islamabad sent a full squadron of around 16 aircraft, mostly JF-17 fighters made jointly with China, to Saudi Arabia in early April, besides 8000 troops and an air defence system. Two security officials said Pakistan had also sent two squadrons of drones.

Pakistan deploys 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defense system to Saudi Arabia under defence pact, also plays mediator

Amid reports claiming that the US and Israel can launch fresh strikes on Iran, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed hope that a second round of direct talks between the Washington and Tehran would take place in Islamabad. He said that such a negotiation could pave the way for a “lasting peace” between the two sides. Sharif said Pakistan remains “optimistic about achieving permanent peace between the United States and Iran,” adding that Islamabad is working to “do its utmost” to guarantee that outcome through hosting a new round of negotiations. The Pakistani PM made the remarks while speaking to a British newspaper The Times.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-trump-hold-talks-are-us-and-israel-preparing-to-strike-iran-again-iran-us-israel-war-iran-conflict-starit-of-hormuz-energy-fuel-crisis-1779070590231">Netanyahu-Trump talks fuel fears of renewed Iran strikes amid reports of Op Sledgehammer: Will the war start again?</a><h2>What we know about the possibility of war again?</h2>This comes amid reports that the US and Israel are preparing to restart the war with Iran as the ceasefire did not result into long-term peace deal and opening of Strait of Hormuz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a conversation with US President Donald Trump and reportedly discussed about the war. Netanyahu held meeting with his cabinet and Trump is expected to hold a Situation Room meeting on Tuesday. Though, the Trump administration has announced the end of Operation Epic Fury, a report suggested that that US officials are planning to launch fresh strikes on Iran under a new name “Operation Sledgehammer."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-calm-before-the-storm-trump-warns-of-very-bad-time-for-iran-amid-reports-of-operation-sledgehammer-1778997110065">'Calm before the storm': Trump warns of 'very bad time' for Iran</a><h2>Pakistan's role as mediator</h2>Pakistan has played a role of a mediator and was able to make US and Iran strike a ceasefire in April as American and Iranian delegation held marathon talks in Islamabad. Though the negotiations did not produce a final settlement capable of ending the war, they positioned Pakistan as a key regional mediator between the United States and Iran. Trump has praised Pakistani PM Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir and called the country “great.”

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad hopes to host a second round of US-Iran talks to secure lasting peace amid fears of renewed conflict. The push comes as reports suggest the US and Israel may restart strikes on Iran despite an April ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Amid reports claiming that the US and Israel can launch fresh strikes on Iran, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed hope that a second round of direct talks between the Washington and Tehran would take place in Islamabad. He said that such a negotiation could pave the way for a “lasting peace” between the two sides. Sharif said Pakistan remains “optimistic about achieving permanent peace between the United States and Iran,” adding that Islamabad is working to “do its utmost” to guarantee that outcome through hosting a new round of negotiations. The Pakistani PM made the remarks while speaking to a British newspaper The Times. Also Read: Netanyahu-Trump talks fuel fears of renewed Iran strikes amid reports of Op Sledgehammer: Will the war start again? What we know about the possibility of war again? This comes amid reports that the US and Israel are preparing to restart the war with Iran as the ceasefire did not result into long-term peace deal and opening of Strait of Hormuz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a conversation with US President Donald Trump and reportedly discussed about the war. Netanyahu held meeting with his cabinet and Trump is expected to hold a Situation Room meeting on Tuesday. Though, the Trump administration has announced the end of Operation Epic Fury, a report suggested that that US officials are planning to launch fresh strikes on Iran under a new name “Operation Sledgehammer." Also Read: 'Calm before the storm': Trump warns of 'very bad time' for Iran Pakistan's role as mediator Pakistan has played a role of a mediator and was able to make US and Iran strike a ceasefire in April as American and Iranian delegation held marathon talks in Islamabad. Though the negotiations did not produce a final settlement capable of ending the war, they positioned Pakistan as a key regional mediator between the United States and Iran. Trump has praised Pakistani PM Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir and called the country “great.”

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad hopes to host a second round of US-Iran talks to secure lasting peace amid fears of renewed conflict. The push comes as reports suggest the US and Israel may restart strikes on Iran despite an April ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

New round of Iran-US talks in Islamabad? Pak PM's ‘optimistic’ about lasting peace amid renewed war fears

pakistan-mediator

Pakistan Mediator, News on Pakistan Mediator, stories on Pakistan Mediator, articles on Pakistan Mediator, Pakistan Mediator stories at Wion, Pakistan Mediator news, Pakistan Mediator latest news

pakistan mediator

'Don't think they will complain': India never raised Pakistan mediation role on Iran-US war, says Marco Rubio

Pak deploys 8,000 troops, fighter jets to Saudi Arabia while playing mediator

Another round of Iran-US talks? Pak PM's ‘optimistic’ remark sparks buzz