Pakistan strongly rejects ‘misleading’ report on Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase
Pakistan has rejected claims made in a report by CBS News suggesting that Iranian military aircraft were secretly parked at Nur Khan Airbase to protect them from possible United States airstrikes. According to officials and sources familiar with the matter, the report presents a misleading interpretation of what they described as a routine diplomatic and logistical arrangement linked to ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
The controversy emerged after a post on X alleged that several Iranian aircraft, including a reconnaissance version of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, had been stationed at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase following the ceasefire announced last month. The social media claims quickly gained attention and were amplified by international media reports, leading to speculation that Pakistan may have been assisting Iran militarily amid tensions with the United States.
However, Pakistani sources strongly denied these allegations, explaining that the aircraft were present solely because of diplomatic engagements connected to the Islamabad Talks — a series of backchannel discussions aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the United States.
According to officials, after the ceasefire was announced and the first phase of talks began in Islamabad, aircraft from both Iran and the United States arrived in Pakistan carrying diplomats, security teams, and administrative personnel. These aircraft remained temporarily stationed at Nur Khan Airbase for logistical support, coordination, and operational convenience.
Sources emphasized that the presence of a “small number” of Iranian aircraft was being deliberately exaggerated by certain media outlets and commentators. They stated that some Iranian personnel and aircraft stayed in Pakistan after the first round of negotiations because a second phase of talks was expected to follow soon afterward.
Officials also revealed that the Iranian foreign minister visited Islamabad twice after the initial discussions, and the pre-existing administrative and security arrangements made it easier to manage those diplomatic visits. Similarly, American aircraft and security personnel also entered Pakistan during this period to prepare for possible follow-up negotiations. However, US aircraft and teams were later moved to American bases elsewhere in the region after several days.
Pakistani authorities stressed that Islamabad maintained a completely neutral role throughout the diplomatic process. They said Pakistan provided equal logistical facilities and administrative support to both Tehran and Washington in an effort to encourage peaceful dialogue and reduce regional tensions.
“Pakistan has acted transparently with both sides and has consistently kept both parties informed whenever any confusion or concern emerged,” sources said. Officials added that Pakistan intends to continue following the same balanced and impartial approach in future diplomatic efforts.
The sources also firmly rejected suggestions that the Iranian aircraft were being sheltered from possible American attacks. They pointed out that the aircraft arrived during an active ceasefire period, not during direct hostilities or military escalation.
“The Iranian aircraft arrived in Pakistan after the ceasefire, and during that period no Iranian aircraft were targeted by the United States, even within Iranian territory itself,” officials explained. “Therefore, claims that these aircraft were parked in Pakistan for protection from airstrikes are entirely baseless.”
Pakistani officials accused certain sections of the international media and political commentators of sensationalising a normal diplomatic development for political or strategic reasons. According to the sources, the issue has been exaggerated in a way that could undermine efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.
“Some quarters appear determined to create unnecessary controversy and push the region toward another cycle of tension and conflict,” sources maintained. “What was essentially a standard diplomatic and logistical arrangement has been turned into a misleading geopolitical narrative.”
The officials reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States and will continue to play what they described as a “constructive and active role” in supporting diplomatic solutions. They emphasized that Islamabad believes negotiation and communication are essential for ensuring regional stability, avoiding military escalation, and promoting global peace and security.
