Pakistan denies using its bases to host Iranian fighter jets
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a number of Iranian and American aircraft arrived on Pakistani territory as part of facilities related to the movement of diplomatic delegations and technical and security personnel participating in indirect talks between the two sides, and not for military purposes.
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied what it described as “inaccurate allegations” circulated by the American network “CBC News” regarding the stationing of Iranian military aircraft at Nur Khan Air Base, affirming that what occurred does not go beyond logistical arrangements linked to the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.
American media reports speaking of the presence of Iranian aircraft inside Pakistani air bases sparked a wave of political and diplomatic debate, at a time when Islamabad seeks to preserve its role as a mediator between Tehran and Washington within a complex process aimed at consolidating the truce and preventing the region from sliding into a broader confrontation.
In a statement published on the platform “X,” the ministry stated that media reports claiming that Pakistan provided refuge to Iranian aircraft are based on inaccurate speculation, considering that such narratives could harm regional efforts aimed at reducing tensions and enhancing the prospects for stability.
It clarified that the period following the announcement of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran witnessed the arrival of a number of Iranian and American aircraft on Pakistani territory, within the framework of facilities related to the movement of diplomatic delegations and technical and security personnel participating in indirect talks between the two parties.
It added that some aircraft and support teams remained temporarily in Pakistan pending subsequent rounds of negotiations, noting that these measures fall within customary diplomatic arrangements and do not carry any military or security dimensions as portrayed.
The Pakistani response came after “CBC News” quoted American officials as saying that Islamabad had secretly allowed Iranian aircraft to use its air bases, in a move that allegedly provided Tehran with protection from potential air strikes. However, a Pakistani official categorically denied this information, affirming that his country is not involved in any military arrangements that contradict its international commitments.
Despite the lack of resumption of official negotiations between Washington and Tehran so far, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the continuation of political and diplomatic contacts between the two sides, explaining that Islamabad continues to provide the necessary facilities for official visits, including the movements of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
In recent months, Pakistan has emerged as a key communication channel between the U.S. administration and the Iranian leadership, playing a pivotal role in bringing viewpoints closer during truce negotiations, in addition to its efforts aimed at transforming the temporary ceasefire into a more sustainable agreement.
However, this process still faces significant challenges, amid ongoing differences between Washington and Tehran on several sensitive issues, most notably Iran’s regional influence, economic sanctions, and the security of navigation in the Gulf.
In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the truce with Iran is going through a delicate phase and may be at risk of collapse, after Tehran’s responses to American proposals revealed the persistence of fundamental disagreements between the two sides.
Iran, according to what has emerged from the negotiations, maintains a set of demands related to the lifting of U.S. sanctions, obtaining guarantees against the repetition of military attacks, as well as removing restrictions imposed on its oil exports, while reaffirming its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, which represents one of the most important global energy passages.
