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Pakistan rejected stories Tuesday that it allowed Iranian plane to make use of its airfields amid tensions with the US—claims suggesting the transfer may have shielded the planes from potential airstrikes—at the same time as Islamabad positioned itself as a high-profile mediator between the 2 sides.
In line with the report Could 11, Tehran was additionally mentioned to have probably despatched a civilian plane to Afghanistan through the battle.
Pakistan mentioned Tuesday the CBS report was “deceptive and sensationalized. Such speculative narratives seem aimed toward undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace,” the Ministry of International Affairs mentioned in a statement.
“Following the ceasefire and through the preliminary spherical of the Islamabad Talks, a variety of plane from Iran and the US arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the motion of diplomatic personnel, safety groups, and administrative workers related to the talks course of,” the ministry mentioned earlier than clarifying that “some plane and help personnel remained briefly in Pakistan in anticipation of subsequent rounds of engagement.”
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Pakistan Chief of Military Employees Area Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran on April 16, 2026, to debate bilateral relations and regional developments. (Iranian Presidency/Anadolu)
The alleged Iranian asset actions had additionally prompt there was an effort by Iran to hide a few of its remaining aerial belongings as Pakistan labored behind the scenes to dealer a ceasefire between Iran and the US.
President Donald Trump additionally confirmed Tuesday he was glad with the mediation work carried out by Pakistan, telling reporters forward of his journey to China that they had been “nice.”
“I believe the Pakistanis have been nice. The sphere marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been completely nice,” Trump clarified.
In April, Pakistan had emerged as a key mediator in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran amid the Strait of Hormuz disaster and the regional battle.
Islamabad hosted senior delegations for talks on April 11–12 after serving to safe a short lived two-week ceasefire.
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Vice President JD Vance shakes palms with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and International Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on April 12, 2026, after talks on Iran. Pakistan’s Inside Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Chief of Defence Forces Chief of Military Employees Area Marshall Asim Munir, and U.S. Embassy Cost d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker look on as Vance prepares to board Air Pressure Two. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)
Pakistan’s place was distinctive, given its geographic proximity to Iran and its longstanding strategic partnership with the US.
Mediation efforts had been led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir and International Minister Ishaq Dar.
Officers informed CBS that, days after Trump introduced a ceasefire with Iran in early April, Tehran despatched a number of plane to Pakistan Air Pressure Base Nur Khan.
Nur Khan Airbase, situated close to Rawalpindi, is claimed to be a key set up of the Pakistan Air Pressure and serves as a serious logistical and operational hub.
Among the many plane reportedly moved there was an Iranian Air Pressure RC-130, a reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the outlet mentioned.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and International Minister Abbas Araghchi had been greeted by Pakistan International Minister Ishaq Dar and Military Chief Area Marshal Gen. Asim Munir upon their arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on April 11, 2026. (Pakistan Ministry of International Affairs/AP)
Regardless of preliminary progress between the U.S. and Iran, talks in Islamabad on April 11 finally collapsed.
Nevertheless, Pakistani management mentioned it felt optimistic. “We’re very optimistic that the present momentum will result in an enduring settlement,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioned.
Trump additionally praised Pakistan’s mediating position once more, stating on Could 7, “Pakistan has been incredible. And its leaders have been incredible—the marshal and the prime minister.”
As a part of the subsequent response, Trump additionally launched “Undertaking Freedom” to information vessels by the Strait of Hormuz and to assist unlock transport.
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Trump’s initiative to assist hundreds of stranded crew lasted 48 hours, with the president later acknowledging that it was halted “on the request of Pakistan and different international locations,” together with Saudi Arabia, to keep away from jeopardizing ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. mentioned Monday that if Pakistan did shelter Iranian plane throughout mediation then it could power an entire reassessment of Pakistan’s position.
“If this reporting is correct, it could require an entire reevaluation of the position Pakistan is enjoying as mediator between Iran, the US and different events. Given a number of the prior statements by Pakistani protection officers in the direction of Israel, I’d not be shocked if this had been true,” Graham mentioned in a submit shared on X.
Fox Information Digital has reached out to the Authorities of Pakistan, The White House and U.S. Central Command for remark.
