CBS News: Pakistan May Have Been Hiding Iranian Military Aircraft at Its Airfields

Pakistan allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its airbases during the war with the United States, according to CBS News, citing U.S. officials.

This reportedly happened while Pakistan was also serving as a diplomatic mediator in talks between Iran and the United States.

The aircraft were reportedly moved to Nur Khan Airbase in early April, shortly after a ceasefire was announced. Tehran was allegedly trying to protect its air force from possible U.S. airstrikes.

An RC-130 reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering aircraft – a modified version of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules used by the Iranian Air Force – was among the Iranian aircraft seen at the base.

In addition to Pakistan, Iran also reportedly moved aircraft to neighboring Afghanistan. In particular, a civilian aircraft operated by Mahan Air remained at Kabul International Airport for an extended period after Iranian authorities closed the country’s airspace.

The aircraft was later relocated to Herat International Airport near the Iranian border for security reasons. Afghan authorities reportedly feared possible Pakistani bombing of the capital’s airport amid tensions between the Taliban government and Islamabad.

A Pakistani official denied reports that Iranian military aircraft had used Nur Khan Airbase. According to the official, the base is located in the middle of a densely populated urban area, making it impossible to conceal the presence of a large number of foreign aircraft from the public.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, also denied that any Iranian aircraft were present in Afghanistan. He stated that Iran had no need for such measures to protect its aviation assets.

Pakistan is attempting to balance its relations between the United States and Iran while avoiding actions that could damage ties with China. China supplies around 80% of Pakistan’s weapons imports and is also a key economic and military partner of Iran.

American Senator Lindsey Graham said that if these reports are confirmed, it would require a complete reassessment of Pakistan’s role as a mediator.

“Given some previous statements by Pakistani defense officials regarding Israel, I would not be shocked if this turned out to be true,” the senator added.