U.S. Urges De-escalation Amid Pakistan-India Tensions, Offers to Facilitate Constructive Dialogue

Washington/Islamabad:Amid escalating military tensions between Pakistan and India, the United States has called on both nuclear-armed neighbors to pursue de-escalation and resolve their disputes through constructive dialogue.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke via telephone with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, emphasizing the need for both sides to seek peaceful solutions and avoid further confrontation. Rubio offered U.S. support in facilitating talks aimed at preventing future conflict.

In a separate call, Secretary Rubio also spoke with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During the conversation, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s stance, saying:
**”If India chooses to escalate, Pakistan will not hold back. The ball is now in India’s court.”**

The diplomatic outreach comes in the wake of a major escalation that began on the night of May 9–10, when, according to Pakistan’s military spokesperson (DG ISPR), Indian forces launched strikes targeting several Pakistani airbases including Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Muridke Airbase, and Shorkot Airbase.

In response, Pakistan launched **“Operation Bunyān al-Marsūs”**, a wide-scale military retaliation targeting key Indian installations. The Pakistan Armed Forces claim to have struck several high-value Indian military targets, including:

* The **BrahMos missile storage site** in Beas,
* **Udhampur**, **Pathankot**, **Suratgarh**, **Bhatinda**, **Sirsa**, and **Adampur** airbases.

Pakistan stated these were the sites used to launch earlier attacks against Pakistani soil and accused India of initiating the recent wave of hostilities.

With the situation on a knife’s edge, Washington’s involvement signals growing international concern over the potential for a broader conflict in South Asia. The U.S. has urged both nations to prioritize diplomacy over military engagement.

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