Pakistan Challenges Trump's Mediation Claim Amid India's Firm Bilateral Stance

In a candid interview with Al Jazeera, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, contradicted recent claims by US President Donald Trump regarding US mediation in the tense relations between nuclear powers Pakistan and India. Trump had frequently touted his administration's role in preventing a potential 'nuclear war' through successful mediation.

Dar clarified that Pakistan sought a ceasefire following an Indian military strike, only to be informed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that India opposed third-party intervention. The Deputy Prime Minister recounted a meeting with Rubio, where he learned that India's position on the matter remained steadfastly bilateral.

Emphasizing Pakistan's readiness for comprehensive talks covering a range of issues, Dar noted that India's insistence on bilateral dialogue remains an obstacle. 'We are open to dialogue on terrorism, trade, the economy, and Kashmir. However, dialogue requires both parties to agree,' he stated. Meanwhile, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, dismissed Trump's mediation claims, noting that the impacts were purely a result of direct military channels between the two nations.