The United States has intensified diplomatic outreach to prevent a further slide into conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s top military commander, emphasizing the urgency of dialogue and urging both Islamabad and New Delhi to pursue de-escalation, according to the U.S. State Department.
Rubio reportedly conveyed America’s willingness to assist in facilitating peace-oriented dialogue, aiming to avert a prolonged crisis between the neighboring states.
Tensions surged on Saturday after Pakistan initiated a major military campaign targeting Indian military infrastructure. The strikes, part of a broader operation dubbed “Iron Wall” by Islamabad, reportedly hit several Indian defense facilities, including missile depots and key air installations in northern regions such as Pathankot, Udhampur, and Gujarat, as confirmed by defense officials.
This military response followed an earlier offensive by India late Friday, during which it launched missile strikes at three Pakistani air bases. Pakistani military officials reported that their installations—including Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot—remained unharmed, asserting that no critical assets were affected. Pakistan’s armed forces have warned of a powerful counter-response if hostilities persist.
Speaking from the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Biden administration remains in continuous dialogue with both nations. “President Trump is closely monitoring developments and wants to see this situation resolved swiftly,†she told reporters, highlighting that both Secretary Rubio and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio have been in constant contact with South Asian leaders.
She also noted that the conflict stretches far beyond recent events. “This is a historic rivalry, decades in the making. But the President has built strong personal ties with the leadership in both capitals and believes in a diplomatic path forward.â€
In addition to operations across Indian territory, Pakistan has accused New Delhi of expanding its attacks beyond bilateral borders, including missile and drone use within Afghan airspace—a move that Islamabad decried as reckless and destabilizing.
Military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry condemned India’s approach as dangerously provocative. “Their aggression threatens regional stability, but we will stand firm. Our forces are prepared, and our will is unwavering,†he declared during a press briefing.
As fears of broader conflict mount, international observers continue to urge restraint, warning that miscalculation between two nuclear states could lead to catastrophic consequences.
