(SeaPRwire) – Pakistan dismissed reports on Tuesday that it had permitted Iranian aircraft to operate from its airfields during heightened tensions with the United States—allegations suggesting this move might have protected the planes from possible airstrikes—even as Islamabad positioned itself as a prominent mediator between the two nations.
According to a May 11 report, Tehran may have also dispatched a civilian aircraft to Afghanistan amid the conflict.
Pakistan described the CBS report as “misleading and sensationalized” in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry added that such speculative narratives appeared designed to undermine ongoing efforts toward regional stability and peace.
“Following the ceasefire and during the first round of the Islamabad Talks, several aircraft from Iran and the United States arrived in Pakistan to assist in the transportation of diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff involved in the talks,” the ministry stated. It further clarified that “some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan in preparation for subsequent rounds of engagement.”
The reported movement of Iranian assets also suggested an attempt by Iran to conceal certain aerial assets while Pakistan worked discreetly to broker a ceasefire between Iran and the United States.
President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he was satisfied with Pakistan’s mediation efforts, telling reporters ahead of his visit to China that they were “great.”
“I think the Pakistanis have been great. The field marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great,” Trump emphasized.
In April, Pakistan emerged as a key mediator in de-escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran during the Strait of Hormuz crisis and the broader regional standoff.
Islamabad hosted high-level delegations for talks on April 11–12 after helping secure a temporary two-week ceasefire.
Pakistan’s role was notable due to its geographic proximity to Iran and its longstanding strategic partnership with the United States.
The mediation process was led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Officials told CBS that, days after Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in early April, Tehran sent multiple aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan.
Nur Khan Airbase, located near Rawalpindi, is considered a critical facility of the Pakistan Air Force and functions as a major logistical and operational hub.
Among the aircraft reportedly moved there was an Iranian Air Force RC-130, a reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering version of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, according to the outlet.
Despite initial progress in U.S.-Iran relations, talks held in Islamabad on April 11 ultimately failed to reach an agreement.
Nevertheless, Pakistani leadership expressed optimism. “We are very optimistic that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked.
Trump reaffirmed his praise for Pakistan’s mediating role, stating on May 7, “Pakistan has been fantastic. And its leaders have been fantastic—the marshal and the prime minister.”
As part of the next phase, Trump launched “Project Freedom” to facilitate vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz and aid in freeing stranded shipping crews.
Trump’s initiative to help thousands of stranded crew members lasted 48 hours, with the president later noting it was halted “at the request of Pakistan and other countries,” including Saudi Arabia, to avoid disrupting ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Monday that if Pakistan did indeed shelter Iranian aircraft during the mediation, it would necessitate a complete reassessment of its 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 regarding Israel, I would not be surprised if this were true,” Graham wrote in a post shared on X.
Digital media outlets have reached out to the Government of Pakistan, The White House, and U.S. Central Command for comment.
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