Pakistan Allowed Iran to Park Military Jets at Nur Khan Airbase to Evade US Strikes: Report

Pakistan is facing fresh scrutiny after a report claimed that it allowed Iranian military aircraft to use the strategically important Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi during the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. According to the report, Tehran allegedly shifted several aviation and defence assets to Pakistani territory in an attempt to shield them from potential American and Israeli airstrikes while Islamabad simultaneously positioned itself as a diplomatic intermediary in ceasefire discussions. Pakistani authorities, however, have strongly denied the allegations and questioned the plausibility of such claims.

The report, published by CBS News citing sources familiar with the matter, stated that Iran moved both civilian and military assets to neighbouring countries following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Some civilian aircraft were reportedly parked temporarily in Afghanistan, while military aircraft were allegedly sent to Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase, located close to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Sources claimed that among the equipment moved was an Iranian Air Force RC-130 reconnaissance aircraft, a specialised intelligence-gathering version of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft used for surveillance and military operations.

According to the report, US officials believed the movement of these aircraft occurred shortly after Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire with Iran in early April. American officials reportedly viewed the relocation of Iranian assets as an effort by Tehran to protect remaining military resources from possible future strikes. The claims have added to growing concerns in Washington about Pakistan’s role during the conflict, especially as Islamabad publicly portrayed itself as a mediator attempting to reduce tensions between Tehran and Washington.

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The controversy quickly triggered political reactions in the United States, with senior Republican senator Lindsey Graham questioning Pakistan’s neutrality. In a social media post, Graham said that if the reports proved accurate, Washington would need to reassess Pakistan’s role as a mediator in discussions involving Iran and the United States. He also referred to previous remarks made by Pakistani defence officials regarding Israel, suggesting that such reports would not be entirely surprising. The allegations have intensified debate in Washington over Islamabad’s diplomatic positioning during the regional crisis.

Pakistani officials denied the accusations and dismissed suggestions that Iranian military aircraft were stationed at Nur Khan Airbase. A senior Pakistani official reportedly told CBS News that the claims were unrealistic because the airbase is located in a densely populated urban area where unusual military activity would quickly become visible to the public. Meanwhile, authorities in Afghanistan acknowledged that at least one Iranian civilian aircraft belonging to Mahan Air had temporarily landed in Kabul after Iranian airspace was closed during the conflict. Afghan officials, however, denied the presence of Iranian military aircraft in the country.

The latest allegations have once again placed Pakistan’s foreign policy balancing act under international focus as it attempts to maintain relations with both the United States and Iran while also preserving close strategic ties with China. Reports have previously questioned whether Islamabad acted independently during ceasefire negotiations or primarily served as a communication channel for Washington. The situation has become even more sensitive amid ongoing tensions involving the Strait of Hormuz, American sanctions on Iran, and broader geopolitical competition in the region. Analysts believe the controversy could further complicate diplomatic relations as the United States continues to evaluate Pakistan’s regional role and strategic intentions.

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