Pakistan Allegedly Allowed Iranian Jets to Land Amid US-Iran Tensions
Allegations of Iranian Military Aircraft at Pakistani Airbase
Islamabad: Reports suggest that during the conflict with the United States, Pakistan may have covertly assisted Iran. According to a report by a news outlet, it is claimed that Pakistan permitted Iranian military aircraft to land at its airbase to avoid American strikes. This revelation raises questions about the roles of Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The report cites US officials stating that Iranian military planes were stationed at Noor Khan Airbase. The Pakistani military and government reportedly granted permission for this. Following this report, US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of former President Trump, expressed that Pakistan's role as a mediator is now under scrutiny and an investigation will be initiated.
Details on Iranian Aircraft Sent to Pakistan
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that in early April, Iran dispatched several aircraft and military assets to the Noor Khan base near Rawalpindi. This action reportedly occurred after President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire.
Iran had stationed several of its key fighter jets at Noor Khan base. Among the aircraft was an RC130 reconnaissance plane from the Iranian Air Force, a specialized version of the Lockheed C130 Hercules transport aircraft. Additional military assets were also sent.
Pakistani Official Denies Allegations
US officials indicated that the movement of aircraft in Pakistan aimed to protect Iran's remaining aviation and military equipment from potential American attacks amid rising tensions in the region. The report also claims that Iran sent its civilian aircraft to neighboring Afghanistan.
A senior Pakistani official dismissed the allegations related to Noor Khan Airbase, stating to the news outlet that such activities could not remain hidden due to the base's location in a densely populated urban area. He asserted that there is no truth to the report and no evidence to support it.
Afghanistan's Response
An official from Afghanistan's civil aviation department mentioned that a 'Great Air' aircraft landed in Kabul before the conflict began. Due to the fighting, Iranian airspace was closed, causing the aircraft to remain in Kabul for several days. It was later redirected to Herat Airport near the Iranian border as Pakistan commenced airstrikes near Kabul.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, which currently holds power in Afghanistan, refuted claims regarding the presence of Iranian aircraft in Afghanistan, stating that Tehran had no need to send its planes there. He described the aircraft's temporary stay in Kabul as mere coincidence.