- Pakistan reportedly allowed Iranian military aircraft to use airbases.
- Report casts doubt on Pakistan's US-Iran mediation.
- Pakistan denies aircraft parking claims.
The conflict between the United States and Iran remains tense despite a fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts. While Pakistan positioned itself as an important mediator between two countries, hosting talks, new reports suggest Islamabad may also have quietly assisted Iran during the conflict by allowing Iranian aircraft to use its airfields.
Pak Allowed Iran To Park Its Aircraft
According to a report by CBS ews, citing US officials familiar with the developments, Pakistan allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at its airbases, while also emerging as a diplomatic bridge between Tehran and Washington. Reports suggest that this move may have helped protect some Iranian aircraft from possible American airstrikes.
US officials, who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity, said that days after President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in early April, Tehran moved several aircraft to Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan. This base is located near the Pakistani garrison city of Rawalpindi. Among the aircraft was an Iranian Air Force RC-130, a reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering version of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft.
Why Did Iran Park Its Aircraft At Pak Bases?
Iran reportedly also moved civilian aircraft to neighboring Afghanistan. Two US officials said it was unclear whether military aircraft were included in those flights. The movements of aircraft appeared to be part of Iran’s broader effort to protect its remaining military and aviation assets amid escalating conflict. According to CBS News, when it approached Pakistan officials for comment, a senior official rejected the allegations involving Nur Khan Air Base.
Pak's Mediator Role In Question
The official said, “Nur Khan base is right in the heart of the city, a large fleet of aircrafts parked there can't be hidden from the public eye.” Meanwhile, US Senator Lindsey Graham reacted to the claims, calling for “re-evaluation” of Islamabad’s role as mediator if the reports were accurate. He wrote on X, “If this reporting is accurate, it would require a complete revaluation 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.”
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.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) May 11, 2026
Given some of the prior statements by Pakistani defense officials towards Israel, I would not be shocked if… https://t.co/OqJ1cdVLFX
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