Islamabad: Fresh claims that Pakistan allowed Iranian aircraft to use one of its military airbases during the recent West Asia conflict have triggered political debate in Washington and renewed scrutiny over Islamabad’s role as a mediator between Tehran and the United States.
According to an international media report citing unnamed officials, several Iranian military aircraft were allegedly stationed at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi after hostilities intensified in the region. The move was reportedly aimed at protecting key Iranian defence assets from possible American or Israeli strikes.
Among the aircraft allegedly shifted was said to be an Iranian reconnaissance plane used for intelligence-gathering operations. The report claimed the deployment took place shortly after former US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire arrangement involving Iran earlier this year.
The same report stated that some Iranian civilian aircraft were also temporarily relocated to Afghanistan after Iranian airspace was disrupted due to the conflict. However, there was no confirmation that military planes were part of those movements.
The allegations have led to criticism from sections of the American political establishment. Senior Republican leaders have publicly questioned whether Pakistan can continue to present itself as a neutral diplomatic bridge if such claims are proven correct.
US lawmakers have urged a closer review of Islamabad’s role in mediation efforts involving Iran, citing concerns over regional alignments and previous statements by Pakistani officials on Middle East matters.
Pakistan has strongly denied the claims. A senior official dismissed the report as unrealistic, pointing out that Nur Khan Airbase is located close to heavily populated urban areas, making it nearly impossible to conceal the presence of foreign military aircraft.
Afghan authorities acknowledged that one Iranian civilian aircraft had briefly remained parked at Kabul airport due to regional airspace restrictions, but denied any military involvement. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also rejected suggestions that Iranian military planes had been sheltered in Afghanistan.
The controversy adds another layer of complexity to Pakistan’s delicate balancing act as it seeks to maintain diplomatic ties with Washington and Tehran while preserving its strategic partnership with China.
The issue comes at a time when regional tensions remain high and negotiations over a broader resolution to the Iran crisis appear uncertain following Washington’s rejection of Tehran’s latest peace proposal.
