CBS News reported that Pakistan may have allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its air bases during the period of tension between Iran and the United States.
The information, attributed to U.S. officials, comes amid the diplomatic role played by Islamabad in negotiations between Washington and Tehran. According to the report, the goal was reportedly to protect part of Iran’s air fleet from possible U.S. strikes.
According to the allegations, the aircraft were transferred to Nur Khan Air Base in early April, shortly after the announcement of a ceasefire. Among the aircraft identified was an RC-130 used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, an adapted version of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules operated by the Iranian Air Force.
In addition to Pakistan, Iran reportedly also moved aircraft to Afghanistan. A civilian aircraft operated by Mahan Air remained for an extended period at Kabul International Airport after Iranian airspace was closed. The aircraft was later moved to Herat International Airport, near the Iranian border, for security reasons, as Afghan authorities feared possible Pakistani airstrikes amid tensions between the Taliban and Islamabad.
Pakistani authorities denied the accusations and said it would be impossible to hide foreign aircraft at a base located in a densely populated urban area.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also rejected the presence of Iranian aircraft in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, analysts say Pakistan is trying to balance its relations with the United States, Iran and China.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said that, if the information is confirmed, a complete reassessment of Pakistan’s role as an international mediator will be necessary.
Pakistan has allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at its airfields, including the Nur Khan Air Force Base, thereby protecting them from American airstrikes – despite its role as a mediator in the conflict between the US and Iran, according to US officials cited by CBS News. pic.twitter.com/tXlucDy9Mj
— Eli Afriat 🇮🇱 (@EliAfriatISR) May 11, 2026
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @EliAfriatISR | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
