According to international media reports, Rubio said Pakistan had informed Washington that suspending the operation could help pave the way for a possible agreement with Tehran.
The US secretary of state said the project was paused to give diplomacy a chance, adding that Donald Trump preferred a diplomatic solution.
Separately, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was increasingly being recognised globally as an honest mediator and a trusted country, describing it as a significant moment in the nation’s diplomatic history.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, the prime minister said Iran, the United States and Gulf countries had shown confidence in Pakistan’s role as a facilitator for peace negotiations.
Sharif said cooperation between Pakistan’s political and military leadership had helped improve the country’s international image.
He added that Pakistan continued to make sustained diplomatic efforts for peace in the region and beyond.
The prime minister further said that despite challenging circumstances, Pakistan had maintained a responsible and effective diplomatic role while also stabilising the economy and reducing inflation to single digits over the past two years.
