SouthernWorldwide.com – Pakistan has refuted claims that it permitted Iranian aircraft to utilize its airfields amidst escalating tensions with the United States. These assertions suggested that such a move could have provided protection to the planes from potential airstrikes. Concurrently, Islamabad has been actively positioning itself as a significant mediator between the two nations.
A report on May 11 indicated that Tehran might have also dispatched a civilian aircraft to Afghanistan during the conflict.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday that the CBS report was “misleading and sensationalized.” The ministry added in a statement that “Such speculative narratives appear aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace.”
“Following the ceasefire and during the initial round of the Islamabad Talks, a number of aircraft from Iran and the United States arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff associated with the talks process,” the ministry explained. It further clarified that “some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan in anticipation of subsequent rounds of engagement.”
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The alleged movements of Iranian assets also hinted at an effort by Iran to conceal some of its remaining aerial capabilities while Pakistan was working behind the scenes to broker a ceasefire between Iran and the United States.
President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday his satisfaction with Pakistan’s mediation efforts, describing them as “great” to reporters before his trip to China.
“I think the Pakistanis have been great. The field marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great,” Trump specified.
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In April, Pakistan had emerged as a crucial mediator in the efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran, particularly amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis and the broader regional conflict.
Islamabad hosted senior delegations for talks on April 11–12, following its role in securing a temporary two-week ceasefire.
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Pakistan’s position was notably unique, owing to its geographical proximity to Iran and its long-standing strategic partnership with the United States.
The mediation efforts were spearheaded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Officials informed CBS that in the days following President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire with Iran in early April, Tehran dispatched multiple aircraft to Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan.
Nur Khan Airbase, situated near Rawalpindi, is recognized as a key installation of the Pakistan Air Force and functions as a significant logistical and operational hub.
Among the aircraft reportedly transferred there was an Iranian Air Force RC-130, identified as a reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, according to the outlet.
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Despite initial progress between the U.S. and Iran, the talks held in Islamabad on April 11 ultimately faltered.
However, Pakistani leadership expressed optimism, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stating, “We are very optimistic that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement.”
Trump also reiterated his praise for Pakistan’s mediating role on May 7, remarking, “Pakistan has been fantastic. And its leaders have been fantastic—the marshal and the prime minister.”
As a supplementary measure, Trump launched “Project Freedom” to assist vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and to facilitate the unimpeded movement of shipping.
Trump’s initiative, designed to aid thousands of stranded crew members, lasted for 48 hours. The president later acknowledged that it was halted “at the request of Pakistan and other countries,” including Saudi Arabia, to avoid jeopardizing ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., stated on Monday that if Pakistan did indeed shelter Iranian aircraft during the mediation period, it would necessitate a complete reassessment of Pakistan’s role.
“If this reporting is accurate, it would require a complete reevaluation of the role Pakistan is playing as mediator between Iran, the United States and other parties. Given some of the prior statements by Pakistani defense officials towards Israel, I would not be shocked if this were true,” Graham commented in a post shared on X.
