Pakistan allowed Iran to use airfields despite its role as a mediator in the conflict with the US - CBS
Kyiv • UNN
Pakistan allowed Iranian military aircraft to be stationed at its bases for protection against US attacks. Islamabad and the Taliban officially deny these facts.
Pakistan, which publicly positions itself as a mediator between the US and Iran, allowed Iranian military aircraft to be stationed at its airbases following the outbreak of conflict between Tehran and Washington. This was reported by CBS News, citing American officials, according to UNN.
Details
According to sources, Iran moved several aircraft to the Nur Khan airbase near Rawalpindi. Among them was allegedly an RC-130 aircraft—a reconnaissance modification of the C-130 Hercules military transport. The US believes that Tehran was attempting to protect part of its aviation from potential American strikes.
Pakistan and the Taliban deny the information
Pakistani authorities rejected the allegations. A senior official told CBS News that the Nur Khan airbase is located in a densely populated area and it would be impossible to hide foreign aircraft there.
Separately, it is reported that one Iranian civilian aircraft belonging to Mahan Air remained in Afghanistan after Iran's airspace was closed. According to Afghan aviation officials, it was later moved from Kabul to Herat due to the risk of strikes during tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid denied the presence of Iranian aircraft in the country.
CBS News notes that Pakistan is trying to balance between the US, Iran, and China, which is Islamabad's main military partner and one of Tehran's key allies. Against this backdrop, Washington and Tehran continue to exchange harsh statements regarding the terms of a possible end to the war.