Pakistan Rejects Allegations It Hosted Iranian Military Jets at Strategic Base During US-Iran Crisis

Pakistani authorities have pushed back forcefully against a recent news report claiming that Iranian military aircraft were allowed to operate from a key airbase near Rawalpindi at a time of elevated tensions between Tehran and Washington, describing the allegations as inflammatory and baseless.

The dispute arose after American officials, speaking to CBS News, alleged that multiple Iranian planes were sent to Pakistan Air Force’s Nur Khan base shortly following President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire with Iran in early April. Among the reported aircraft was an Iranian RC-130, a reconnaissance version of the C-130 Hercules. U.S. officials reportedly believed the arrangement could have protected Iranian military assets from potential American airstrikes.

Karachi, Islamabad denies it gave Iran access to airbase amid US tensions. Pakistan swiftly rejected the CBS report, explaining that several aircraft from both Iran and the United States had arrived during preliminary Islamabad talks. Officials stated these movements were intended solely to support diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff linked to the dialogue process. While formal negotiations have yet to restart, some aircraft remain on the ground pending future rounds of discussion.

Pakistani officials insisted that any Iranian aircraft currently in the country serve no military function, branding opposing claims as “speculative and false.” The government reiterated its neutral role as a facilitator of dialogue, emphasizing that all logistical support has been provided transparently. A formal statement reaffirmed the country’s dedication to regional peace, stability, and de-escalation.

Separately, the same American officials told CBS that Iran also sent civilian aircraft to neighboring Afghanistan. An Afghan civil aviation officer reported that one jet landed in Kabul before hostilities began and was later relocated to an airfield near the border for safety when Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul in March. A Taliban spokesperson denied those claims, asserting that Iran had no need for such measures.

Responding to the CBS report, Senator Lindsey Graham said that if the allegations prove accurate, the United States would need to completely reassess Pakistan’s role as a mediator between Iran, America, and other parties. He also noted that, given certain past statements by Pakistani defense officials regarding Israel, he would not be surprised if the claims turned out to be true.