[57164] Diplomatic storm: Reports of aerial cooperation between Pakistan and Iran spark reactions in the US

Tension surrounding Pakistani mediation between the US and Iran

CBS News reported, citing American sources, that Pakistan, which serves as a mediator between the US and Iran, allowed Tehran to station military aircraft, including surveillance and intelligence planes, in its airspace. According to the report, as cited in Abu Ali Express and Hadashot 360, the aircraft were moved to a Pakistani base to protect them from being hit in potential American strikes. Abu Ali Express (which is characterized by a distinct anti-Iranian stance) noted that Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called for a re-examination of Pakistan's role as a mediator in talks following the publication.

Conversely, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry was quick to deny the allegations vehemently. In an official statement released following the reports, the ministry described the CBS report as "misleading" and argued that it involves "fabricated narratives" designed to harm regional peace efforts.

According to the Pakistanis, the aircraft arrived at the Nur Khan Air Base during a ceasefire for the sole purpose of transporting Iranian diplomats, and their presence was temporary and unrelated to military activity. This position was presented extensively in Hadashot 301 The Arab World, which emphasizes the Pakistani narrative that presents the country as a "neutral mediator" being harmed by a deliberate media campaign.