Rubio credits Pakistan as main interlocutor in Iran peace talks

The United States has acknowledged modest progress in ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran, but deep disagreements continue to block a breakthrough, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. At the heart of the negotiations, however, is an increasingly important role being played by Pakistan, which Washington has described as the “primary interlocutor” in the talks.

Speaking after a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Sweden, Rubio said that while some gaps had narrowed between the two sides, critical issues remain unresolved, particularly over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and control of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most vital energy routes.

“There’s been some progress, but we’re not there yet,” Rubio told reporters. “The primary country we’ve been working with on all of this is Pakistan, and that remains the case.”

Diplomatic sources say Pakistan has been acting as a key communication bridge between Washington and Tehran, relaying proposals and helping maintain indirect contact as tensions remain high between the two rivals.

Despite this channel, Iranian officials have pushed back against expectations of a near-term deal. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the differences between the two sides remain “deep and significant,” adding that diplomacy would take time and patience.

One of the biggest sticking points is the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes daily. Its partial closure since the start of the conflict has already triggered disruptions in global energy markets and heightened fears of inflation.

Washington has strongly opposed Iran’s reported plans for a tolling system on the waterway, calling it “unacceptable,” while warning that alternative measures could be considered if diplomacy fails.

Rubio also emphasized that the United States had not requested NATO military involvement in securing the strait but said contingency plans would be necessary if Iran refuses to reopen full maritime access.

At the same time, Iran continues to maintain its enriched uranium stockpile, which Western governments fear could be used to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has rejected calls to transfer enriched material abroad.

The conflict has already escalated into wider regional instability, involving strikes, retaliatory attacks, and rising tensions across the Middle East. The economic fallout has been global, pushing up oil prices and fueling concerns about inflation and market volatility.

Despite the uncertainty, US President Donald Trump has maintained that Washington will eventually recover Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, though Iranian sources say Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered it not to be sent abroad.

Iran recently submitted a new proposal to the US, but officials say it largely repeats earlier demands that Washington had already rejected, including sanctions relief and compensation for war damage.

With both sides still far apart, Pakistan’s role as a diplomatic bridge is becoming increasingly significant — but whether it can help close the gap remains uncertain as the crisis continues to unfold.