Fresh allegations that Pakistan allowed Iranian military aircraft to use one of its key airbases during the recent US-Iran conflict have triggered sharp criticism in Washington, casting doubt over Islamabad’s attempts to position itself as a mediator between Tehran and the United States.
US Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Pakistan’s credibility after reports claimed an Iranian Air Force RC-130H reconnaissance aircraft was spotted at Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan in Rawalpindi during the conflict.
The controversy intensified after a report by CBS News cited anonymous US officials as saying multiple Iranian aircraft landed at the strategically important airbase days after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in early April.
According to the report, one of the aircraft was an Iranian Air Force RC-130, an intelligence-gathering variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft. Satellite imagery circulating online allegedly showed the aircraft parked at the Rawalpindi facility near Islamabad.
An Afghan civil aviation official also reportedly told the broadcaster that an Iranian civilian aircraft operated by Mahan Air landed in Kabul shortly before Iranian airspace was shut down and later moved to Herat near the Iranian border.
Afghan officials claimed the relocation came after Pakistan conducted strikes inside Afghanistan, adding that it was the only Iranian aircraft present in the country at the time.
Pakistan has denied the allegations, describing them as “misleading”. Islamabad has maintained that its diplomatic outreach is aimed at reducing tensions and facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington.
Graham, however, warned that if the reports were true, they would require a “complete re-evaluation” of Pakistan’s role in mediation efforts linked to the conflict. “No wonder this damn thing is going nowhere,” Graham reportedly said, referring to stalled diplomatic efforts involving Iran.
The row comes at a sensitive moment as Pakistan seeks to play a larger diplomatic role amid a fragile ceasefire process following months of military escalation between the US and Iran. Islamabad has also been involved in backchannel discussions surrounding a possible temporary truce and the reopening of maritime routes around the Strait of Hormuz.
(With inputs from agencies)
