Singapore: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hailed the deepening ties between Washington and Islamabad as “an unexpected development and a true friendship”, while highlighting Pakistan’s role in diplomatic efforts surrounding the ongoing Iran conflict.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session after his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth said Pakistan had emerged as an important partner in attempts to reduce tensions in the region.

The remarks, later released by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) on YouTube, underscored a notable shift in relations between the two countries.

Hegseth specifically acknowledged the contributions of Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, crediting them for supporting peace initiatives linked to the Iran war.

He suggested that Islamabad had played a constructive role in efforts aimed at creating conditions for dialogue and de-escalation.

The Pentagon chief’s comments came against the backdrop of continued negotiations between Washington and Tehran, as both sides seek to overcome major differences that have stalled a broader agreement to end the conflict and address concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

While expressing optimism about the diplomatic track, Hegseth also reiterated that the United States remains prepared to resume military action if negotiations collapse.

Speaking earlier at the summit, he said Washington retained the capability and resources required to restart operations against Iran if necessary.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary ... we are more than capable,” Hegseth said, adding that American military stockpiles were sufficient both in the region and globally to sustain any future operations.

 

He stressed that US involvement in the Iran conflict had not diminished its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

According to Hegseth, America is capable of managing multiple strategic priorities simultaneously and is expanding its defence industrial base to ensure military readiness across the world.

The defence secretary said President Donald Trump remains committed to securing a diplomatic settlement and is seeking what he described as a ‘great deal’ that would permanently prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

On Friday, Trump said he would hold consultations in a secure room at the White House to make a final decision on a proposal that could extend the current truce by another 60 days, giving negotiators additional time to work towards a lasting agreement.

The war, launched jointly by the United States and Israel on February 28, has claimed thousands of lives, primarily in Iran and Lebanon.

The conflict has also rattled global markets, with disruptions linked to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz contributing to higher energy prices worldwide.

Against this backdrop, Hegseth’s praise for Pakistan’s leadership signals Washington’s growing recognition of Islamabad’s role in regional diplomacy at a time when efforts to end the conflict remain delicately balanced between negotiation and the threat of renewed military action.