According to remarks released by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the organiser of the summit, Hegseth credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for supporting ongoing peace efforts involving Tehran and Washington.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth said relations between Washington and Islamabad were entering a new phase marked by growing trust and cooperation.

“I think it’s an unexpected development, the role that the Field Marshal and the Prime Minister [of Pakistan] are playing in the peace negotiations [with Iran],” he said.

“A true friendship is developing there,” the US defence secretary added.

The US defence secretary said recent developments reflected a positive and unexpected improvement in bilateral ties, helping strengthen confidence and cooperation between the two countries.

He also pointed to last year’s India-Pakistan tensions, noting that both countries accepted mediation efforts by US President Donald Trump aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peace. Hegseth described the development as another indication of improving relations between Islamabad and Washington.

His remarks come amid intensified diplomatic activity focused on securing a permanent end to the Iran conflict and promoting broader regional stability.

Pakistan and the US have experienced periods of strain and cooperation over the years. However, diplomatic engagement has gained momentum in recent months, particularly following Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate dialogue and support peace initiatives related to the Iran crisis.