The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday rejected a report by a US media outlet alleging that Pakistan had allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its airbases during Islamabad’s role as a mediator in the Middle East conflict.
According to a report published by CBS News, citing US officials, Pakistan had “quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields”. The report claimed that several Iranian aircraft arrived at Nur Khan Air Base shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in early April.
It further alleged that one of the aircraft was an Iranian Air Force RC-130 reconnaissance plane, a surveillance variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Responding to the allegations, the Foreign Office termed the report “misleading and sensationalised”, saying it appeared aimed at undermining ongoing efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
In a statement, the FO clarified that following the ceasefire and during the first phase of the Islamabad Talks, aircraft from both Iran and the United States had arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of diplomats, security personnel and administrative teams associated with the dialogue process.
It added that some aircraft and support staff had temporarily remained in Pakistan in anticipation of future rounds of engagement.
The statement further said that although formal negotiations had yet to resume, high-level diplomatic contacts continued, including visits by the Iranian foreign minister to Islamabad under existing logistical arrangements.
The FO stressed that the Iranian aircraft currently present in Pakistan had arrived during the ceasefire period and had no connection to any military operation or contingency arrangement.
Rejecting the allegations, the ministry said Pakistan had consistently played the role of a neutral and responsible facilitator committed to dialogue and de-escalation, while maintaining transparency and communication with all relevant stakeholders.
Pakistan, the statement added, remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting regional and global peace and security.
