Pakistan’s Foreign Office has rejected reports suggesting Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared information about Iran’s nuclear programme with the United States. Officials described the claims as inaccurate and without basis.
The clarification came during the Foreign Office’s weekly press briefing on Thursday. FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi firmly denied the reports. He stated that no information regarding Iran’s nuclear programme was exchanged during Dar’s meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Foreign Office Issues Strong Denial
Dar met Rubio on May 29 during a brief visit to Washington. During the meeting, both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and regional security issues. Additionally, Rubio praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in the Middle East.
However, speculation emerged following comments made by former Central Intelligence Agency analyst Larry Johnson. Quoting an unnamed source, Johnson alleged that Dar conveyed information about Iran’s intentions regarding its independence. He further claimed the conversation had alarmed senior US officials.
US Secretary of State Also Rejects Reports
The issue surfaced again during a congressional hearing in Washington. US Congressman Scott Perry questioned Rubio about reports involving Pakistan and Iran.
Perry asked whether Dar had delivered a message suggesting Iran might demonstrate a nuclear weapon if tensions escalated further. In response, Rubio stated that he had neither seen such reporting nor received any such message.
When Perry repeated the question, Rubio again rejected the claim. He said no such message had been communicated during discussions. Furthermore, he noted that he would likely have been aware if such information had been relayed.
The Foreign Office’s statement and Rubio’s remarks have both dismissed the reports, reinforcing Pakistan’s position that no discussion regarding Iran’s nuclear programme took place.
