The United States Department of State announced on Tuesday that the US will close its consulate in Pakistan’s Peshawar in a phased manner, citing safety of its diplomats.
As per the state department, the US embassy in Islamabad will receive the responsibility of diplomatic engagement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The department said in a statement, “The US Department of State is announcing the phased closure of the US Consulate General in Peshawar. Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the US Embassy in Islamabad.”
“This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management,” it further added.
The department assured that the US administration policy priorities in Pakistan would remain “steadfast despite the change in physical presence in Peshawar”.
It said the engagement with officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would continue to develop economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of America.
“The Department, through the US Mission to Pakistan, remains dedicated to advancing the US-Pakistan relationship through our remaining diplomatic posts in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore,” said the department.
Update on Iran-US Tensions
The decision was taken amid Islamabad’s attempts to mediate peace negotiations between the United States and Iran to end the ongoing conflict that started on February 28. The American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, declared on Tuesday that “Operation Epic Fury is concluded” after 66 days.
“We achieved the objectives of that operation,” he said.
US President Dnald Trump also announced a pause on his latest “Project Freedom” for a short period to see whether a deal could be reached with Iran.
Trump took to his Truth Social on Tuesday and wrote, “Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”
He clarified that the US naval blockade on the strait would still remain in action and that the decision was in response to requests from Pakistan and other countries.
