US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has praised Pakistan's growing role in international diplomacy, describing Islamabad as a 'true friend' of the United States during remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

He specifically commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their contribution to ongoing efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran following weeks of conflict in the Middle East.

According to the report, Pakistan has been actively working to bring Washington and Tehran back to the negotiating table after hostilities erupted following coordinated US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February 2026.

The conflict escalated when Iran targeted US military bases in the region and disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, creating concerns for global energy markets.Pakistan helped broker a two-week ceasefire in April and later hosted direct talks between US and Iranian representatives in Islamabad.These discussions marked the first direct dialogue between the two countries in several decades.

Although the negotiations ended without a final agreement, Pakistan continued diplomatic engagement and helped facilitate extensions to the ceasefire.

The article notes that significant disagreements remain between Washington and Tehran, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear and missile programmes and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.A White House official stated that President Donald Trump would only agree to a deal if Iran accepts all US conditions.Meanwhile, Iranian officials have indicated that no final agreement has yet been reached.

Despite the challenges, both US and Iranian leaders have acknowledged Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, highlighting Islamabad's importance as a mediator in attempts to achieve a lasting peace agreement.