ISLAMABAD: The United States has publicly credited Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership for supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at ending tensions with Iran, with US Defense Secretary describing relations between Washington and Islamabad as a growing “true friendship” during remarks at the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Speaking at Asia’s premier security forum on Saturday, Hegseth praised Field Marshal and Prime Minister for their contributions to ongoing diplomatic efforts intended to secure a negotiated settlement with Iran and reduce the risk of a wider regional conflict.
The comments represent one of the strongest recent public endorsements by a senior US official of Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy and security affairs.
Addressing a question regarding India’s expanding long-range missile capabilities, Hegseth said the discussion could equally have focused on Pakistan, highlighting what he described as the constructive role played by Islamabad’s military and political leadership in facilitating peace negotiations.
He characterized the development as “somewhat unexpected” and said it reflected an increasingly important partnership between the United States and Pakistan at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty across the Middle East and South Asia.
The remarks come as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations aimed at resolving disputes that have fueled months of military tensions in the Gulf region.
Hegseth stated that any agreement capable of preventing further escalation would be considered a positive outcome by the United States, while emphasizing that diplomatic engagement remains Washington’s preferred course.
At the same time, he warned that the US military remains fully prepared to resume combat operations if negotiations fail to produce a viable settlement.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary, we are more than capable,” Hegseth said during the security conference, adding that American military stockpiles and regional deployments remain sufficient to support renewed operations if required.
US officials have maintained that a maritime blockade targeting Iran remains in effect as part of broader pressure measures designed to influence negotiations.
Hegseth also claimed that another vessel attempting to breach the blockade had recently been disabled, underscoring Washington’s intention to continue enforcing restrictions while diplomatic talks proceed.
The Shangri-La Dialogue gathering brought together defense ministers, military commanders and strategic experts from more than 40 countries, making the platform one of the most influential annual forums for discussions on regional security, military modernization and geopolitical competition.
Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement has attracted increasing international attention in recent months following its efforts to maintain communication channels with multiple regional actors, including Gulf states, China, Iran and Western partners.
Officials in Islamabad have repeatedly emphasized support for diplomatic solutions to regional crises while advocating de-escalation among rival powers.
The latest US acknowledgment comes against the backdrop of broader improvements in Pakistan-US engagement after years of strained relations linked to developments in Afghanistan and differing strategic priorities.
Recent interactions have included expanded diplomatic contacts, security consultations and discussions on regional stability, counterterrorism cooperation and economic engagement.
Analysts note that Washington’s public recognition of Pakistan’s role in the Iran dialogue may strengthen Islamabad’s international standing as a diplomatic intermediary capable of maintaining relations with competing regional stakeholders.
The statement may also be viewed as significant given continuing security concerns across the Gulf, where disruptions to energy supplies and maritime trade routes could have major economic consequences.
The Gulf region accounts for a substantial share of global oil exports, with approximately 20 percent of the world’s petroleum shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, making stability in the area a major international priority.
For Pakistan, improved relations with both Washington and regional powers could support broader foreign policy objectives, including economic cooperation, investment opportunities and enhanced diplomatic influence.
However, experts caution that the success of current negotiations will ultimately depend on whether the United States and Iran can bridge longstanding differences over security arrangements, sanctions and regional military activities.
With talks continuing and military contingencies remaining on the table, policymakers across the region are closely monitoring developments that could shape security dynamics, diplomatic alignments and economic stability in the months ahead.