On Saturday, May 10, 2025, tensions escalated dramatically between Pakistan and India, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to intervene in an urgent phone conversation with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir. The U.S. Department of State reported that Rubio called for both nations to pursue immediate de-escalation and offered assistance to facilitate constructive talks aimed at preventing further conflicts.
The backdrop to this diplomatic effort was Pakistan’s launch of a military operation named 'Bunyan-un-Marsoos'—translated as "Iron Wall"—against India. This operation involved targeted strikes on multiple military bases in India, including significant installations such as the Pathankot air base and Udhampur air base. The Pakistani military characterized these actions as a necessary response to recent Indian missile strikes that had targeted three air bases within Pakistan.
According to reports, the escalation began earlier in the week when India conducted airstrikes in Pakistani territory following a deadly attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. The ensuing conflict has resulted in over 50 casualties, marking one of the most intense periods of violence between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in nearly three decades.
During his conversation with General Munir, Rubio expressed deep concern regarding the rapid escalation of hostilities and reiterated Washington’s readiness to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions. The U.S. has emphasized the importance of restraint from both sides, with State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stating that Rubio has been in constant communication with leaders from both countries to help bring the conflict to an end.
Pakistan's military operation targeted seven sites across India, including a missile storage site in northern India, in what Islamabad described as a defensive measure. The operation was launched in retaliation for Indian missile strikes that had hit various locations within Pakistan, including air bases in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and Jhang. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed that all assets of the Pakistan Air Force remained safe despite the attacks.
"By the grace of Allah Almighty, all PAF assets are safe," Chaudhry stated during a press conference, warning India of a significant response. He further asserted that India’s arrogance was destabilizing the region, promising that Pakistan would respond with full force if provoked further.
In response to the growing tensions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Command Authority, which oversees decisions related to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. This meeting underscores the gravity of the situation, as both countries are nuclear powers, raising concerns about the potential for a broader conflict.
As the situation develops, the U.S. remains actively engaged in diplomatic discussions. Rubio also reached out to Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reiterating the need for both nations to seek a resolution. Reports indicate that Dar conveyed Pakistan's willingness to negotiate, provided that India halts its aggressive actions.
In the midst of these hostilities, the Pakistani military has taken special measures to avoid civilian casualties during their operations, targeting only those locations believed to be involved in attacks against Pakistan. The operation's name, 'Bunyan-un-Marsoos', reflects a commitment to a united front in the face of aggression, drawing its meaning from the Holy Quran.
As the conflict continues, both sides are bracing for further developments. The U.S. has expressed hope that the situation does not spiral into a broader regional war, emphasizing the need for dialogue and restraint. The Secretary of State's call for de-escalation is a crucial step in this ongoing crisis, as both nations navigate the challenges of their long-standing rivalry.
In the coming days, the international community will be watching closely to see if diplomatic efforts can yield a peaceful resolution to this escalating conflict. The stakes are high, with both countries having a history of military confrontations and a shared nuclear capability that adds a layer of urgency to the situation.
As the world holds its breath, the call for peace and restraint must resonate louder than the sounds of conflict. The hope remains that through dialogue and understanding, Pakistan and India can find a path towards lasting peace.
