Pakistan Rejects CBS Report on Iranian Aircraft at Its Airbases During US Mediation

Pakistan on Tuesday rejected reports that it permitted Iranian aircraft to use its airfields during tensions with the United States. Claims suggested the move shielded the planes from potential airstrikes while Islamabad acted as mediator between the two sides.

A CBS report on May 11 said Tehran possibly sent a civilian aircraft to Afghanistan during the conflict. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the report "misleading and sensationalized." The statement said such speculative narratives aimed to undermine efforts for regional stability and peace.

"Following the ceasefire and during the initial round of the Islamabad Talks, a number of aircraft from Iran and the United States arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff associated with the talks process," the ministry said. It clarified that some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan ahead of subsequent rounds.

The alleged movements suggested Iran sought to conceal aerial assets as Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between Iran and the United States. President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday he was satisfied with Pakistan's mediation work. Ahead of his trip to China, he told reporters they were "great."

"I think the Pakistanis have been great. The field marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great," Trump said.

In April, Pakistan emerged as a key mediator to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis and regional conflict. Islamabad hosted senior delegations for talks on April 11-12 after helping secure a temporary two-week ceasefire.

Pakistan's position was unique due to its proximity to Iran and longstanding strategic partnership with the United States. Mediation efforts were led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

CBS sources said that days after Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in early April, Tehran sent multiple aircraft to Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan near Rawalpindi. The base is a key installation and major logistical hub for the Pakistan Air Force.

Among the aircraft was an Iranian Air Force RC-130, a reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the outlet reported.

Talks in Islamabad on April 11 collapsed despite initial progress. Pakistani leadership remained optimistic. "We are very optimistic that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said.

Trump praised Pakistan's role again on May 7, stating, "Pakistan has been fantastic. And its leaders have been fantastic—the marshal and the prime minister."

Trump launched "Project Freedom" to guide vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and free up shipping. The 48-hour initiative to help thousands of stranded crew ended at the request of Pakistan and other countries, including Saudi Arabia, to avoid jeopardizing negotiations with Iran.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Monday that if Pakistan sheltered Iranian aircraft, it would require a complete reassessment of its mediator role. "If this reporting is accurate, it would require a complete reevaluation of the role Pakistan is playing as mediator between Iran, the United States and other parties. Given some of the prior statements by Pakistani defense officials towards Israel, I would not be shocked if this were true," Graham said in a post on X.