Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday. This visit aims to review and strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on regional and global developments of mutual interest, particularly in light of ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that discussions will center on enhancing cooperation in key sectors and Pakistan's commitment to promoting regional peace through dialogue and diplomacy. This meeting comes amid a backdrop of escalating hostilities, with the US and Iran exchanging threats following a recent cabinet meeting led by President Donald Trump. Rubio indicated that the administration is seeking progress in negotiations with Iran, while Iranian officials suggest that the US is alternating between threats and appeals for agreement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed optimism about reaching a peace deal that honors Iran's dignity, which he believes could unlock economic potential and benefit the entire region.