Key points
- Rubio urges both parties to find ways to de-escalate
- Pakistan Civil Aviation said it is closing its airspace from 3:15am local time (22:15 GMT) on Saturday until noon (07:00 GMT)
- Three Pakistani airbases were targeted by Indian “air-to-surface missiles”
ISLAMABAD: The United States State Department said on Saturday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and offered his country’s assistance in talks for de-escalation between Pakistan and India.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir earlier today,” a statement issued by US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir earlier today. He continued to urge both parties to find ways to deescalate and offered U.S. assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts. Read text here:…
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) May 10, 2025
“Find ways to de-escalate”
Rubio “continued to urge both parties to find ways to de-escalate and offered US assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts,” it added.
Pakistan has said strikes have been launched against Indian military sites as part of operation “Bunyan-un-Marsoos” after three Pakistani airbases were targeted by Indian “air-to-surface missiles”.
Pakistan Civil Aviation said it is closing its airspace from 3:15am local time (22:15 GMT) on Saturday until noon (07:00 GMT) following the latest attacks.
Saudi Arabia’s constructive diplomatic efforts
On Friday, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir in Islamabad.
They exchanged perspectives on the evolving regional situation.
Ishaq Dar expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s constructive diplomatic efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region.
