Iran US War: The Pakistani government has moved to dismiss a “sensationalised” report from CBS News alleging that it allowed Iranian military aircraft to seek refuge at its Nur Khan Airbase. The report has ignited a diplomatic firestorm, with high-ranking U.S. officials and lawmakers questioning Islamabad’s status as an impartial mediator in the ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Iran US War: The Allegations
According to the CBS News report, which cited U.S. officials, Iran moved several key defense assets to the Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi shortly after President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in early April 2026. The report identified one of the planes as an Iranian Air Force RC-130—a specialized reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering aircraft. The central claim suggests that Islamabad allowed these planes to “park” at the strategically vital base to shield them from potential American airstrikes while Pakistan simultaneously acted as a diplomatic conduit for peace talks.
Pakistan’s Rebuttal: “Routine Logistics”
In a sharp response issued on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) “categorically rejected” the narrative, calling it a speculative attempt to undermine regional peace. While the ministry confirmed that Iranian aircraft are currently parked in Pakistan, it provided a different context:
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Diplomatic Movement: Pakistan stated that various Iranian and U.S. aircraft arrived following the ceasefire to transport diplomatic personnel and security teams for the “Islamabad Talks.”
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No Military Link: The MoFA emphasized that the RC-130 arrived during the “ceasefire period” and has “no linkage whatsoever” to any military contingency or preservation arrangement.
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Transparency: Islamabad maintains it has acted as a “responsible facilitator,” providing routine logistical support with full transparency to all parties involved.
Backlash in Washington
Despite Islamabad’s clarification, the report has fueled skepticism among U.S. lawmakers. Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Trump, took to X (formerly Twitter) to demand a “complete re-evaluation” of Pakistan’s role.
“If this reporting is accurate, it would require a complete re-evaluation of the role Pakistan is playing as mediator… I would not be shocked if this were true,” Graham posted, citing previous statements by Pakistani officials regarding Israel as a reason for his distrust.
A High-Stakes Balancing Act
The controversy comes at a delicate moment. President Trump recently described Iran’s latest 10-point proposal—which was relayed via Pakistani intermediaries—as “garbage,” stating the ceasefire is currently on “life support.”
As the “Islamabad Talks” stall, the presence of Iranian military hardware on Pakistani soil—even for administrative purposes—threatens to tilt the scales of American trust. For Islamabad, the challenge remains maintaining its “strategic neutrality” while its airbases become a focal point of international scrutiny.
Also Read: Trump Rejects Iran’s ‘Generous’ Peace Proposal as Oil Prices Surge
