A sensational report by the American media outlet CBS News has claimed that Pakistan has permitted Iran to park its military aircraft on Pakistani soil. According to the report, several Iranian fighter jets and strategic assets have been moved to the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi to protect them from potential aerial strikes by the United States and Israel.
Strategic Shelter Amid Middle East Tensions
The report suggests that Iran is using this tactic to safeguard its high-value defense equipment. Key assets, including an RC-130 electronic intelligence aircraft belonging to the Iranian Air Force, are reportedly stationed at the base. While Pakistan has been acting as a mediator between Iran and the U.S., these findings suggest a secret military cooperation. Similar reports also indicated that some Iranian civilian planes were moved to Kabul Airport in Afghanistan, though the Taliban administration has denied those claims.
Backlash in Washington
The news has sparked significant outrage in the United States. Senior Senator Lindsey Graham stated that if the reports are true, the U.S. must re-evaluate Pakistan’s role as a mediator. He criticized the development, noting that given past statements by Pakistani defense officials regarding Israel, their cooperation with Iran is not entirely surprising. US officials believe the transfer of these planes occurred shortly after a ceasefire announcement in early April.
Pakistan’s Denial and Regional Implications
Pakistani officials have vehemently denied these allegations, calling them “malicious propaganda.” They argued that Nur Khan Airbase is located in a densely populated area, making it impossible to hide a large number of foreign military jets from the public eye. However, the reports come at a time when military ties between Pakistan, China, and Iran appear to be strengthening, posing new strategic challenges for the United States in the region.
