Speaking at a press briefing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Pakistan had raised concerns that the Afghan Taliban had failed to adequately constrain attacks launched from Afghan territory.
“Pakistan is concerned about terrorist attacks that are being sponsored from the territory of Afghanistan,” Rubio said. “They feel as if the Taliban has not done enough to constrain those attacks and they’ve taken action against it.”
Rubio said Washington had heard Pakistan’s concerns and opposed terrorism regardless of where it originated or whom it targeted.
“We obviously don’t want them to be targeted for terrorism. So if there’s a productive role for us to play, we would play it,” he added.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad accusing the Afghan Taliban authorities of allowing militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from Afghan territory.
Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Taliban government to prevent its territory from being used for attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians.
Rubio acknowledged that the United States does not maintain a particularly close relationship with the Taliban but said Washington had taken note of Islamabad’s concerns.
“We don’t necessarily have the closest relationship with the Taliban, as you can imagine,” he said, adding that the US had also seen attacks cited by Pakistan.
The US secretary of state reiterated Washington’s opposition to terrorism, saying: “We’re against terrorism no matter where it emanates from and who it targets.”
Russia Offers to Mediate
Rubio’s remarks came as Russia has stepped forward to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid growing hostilities along their border.
Asked about Moscow’s involvement and whether US President Donald Trump could help ease tensions, Rubio said Washington was aware of Pakistan’s concerns and would consider a constructive role.
Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for helping resolve international conflicts, but Rubio did not announce any specific US-led mediation initiative between Islamabad and Kabul.
The latest developments highlight growing international concern over the deteriorating security situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with cross-border militancy and military action threatening to further destabilize the region.
Washington’s comments suggest that while the United States remains cautious in its engagement with the Taliban, it is prepared to hear Pakistan’s concerns and support efforts to address terrorism and regional instability.
