Pakistan's Role as Mediator in US-Iran Conflict Under Scrutiny

Pakistan's Mediation Efforts and Military Aircraft Controversy

In a recent development, Pakistan has reportedly permitted Iranian military planes to utilize its airfields as a protective measure against potential US airstrikes, according to a CBS News report citing US officials. The same report indicated that Iran has also stationed its civilian aircraft in Afghanistan to avoid US attacks.

In response to these claims, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has called for a thorough reassessment of Pakistan's role as a mediator in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which began on February 28 and has been on hold since April 8. Graham expressed his concerns on social media, stating, "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." He further noted that given previous remarks from Pakistani defense officials regarding Israel, he would not be surprised if the reports were true.

The CBS report, which referenced unnamed US sources, mentioned that Iran had dispatched several aircraft, including a reconnaissance plane, to Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase shortly after US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire in April. However, a senior official from Pakistan dismissed these allegations, asserting that the Nur Khan base is located in a densely populated area, making it impossible to conceal a large number of aircraft from public view.

Additionally, an Afghan civil aviation official informed CBS News that an Iranian civilian aircraft from Mahan Air had landed in Kabul just before the conflict escalated and remained there after Iranian airspace was closed. This aircraft was later relocated to an airport in Herat, close to the Iranian border, following military actions by Pakistan in Afghanistan. Afghan officials confirmed that this Mahan Air plane was the only Iranian aircraft present in the country at that time. This situation unfolds as Islamabad continues its efforts to mediate discussions between the involved parties.