Pakistan categorically denies U.S. report on Iranian aircraft presence at Nur Khan Base
Tehran - BORNA - The ministry stated: "Such speculations appear to be aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace. Following the ceasefire and during the first round of negotiations in Islamabad, a number of aircraft from both Iran and the United States arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff associated with the negotiation process. Some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan awaiting subsequent rounds of engagement."
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry’s statement further clarified: "Although formal negotiations have not yet resumed, high-level diplomatic exchanges have continued. In this context, the Iranian Foreign Minister's visits to Islamabad were facilitated through existing logistical and administrative arrangements. The Iranian aircraft currently parked in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and has no connection to any military contingencies or protection arrangements. Claims suggesting otherwise are speculative, misleading, and entirely divorced from reality."
The ministry emphasized Pakistan's role as a "neutral, constructive, and responsible facilitator" in supporting dialogue and de-escalation. It added that Islamabad has provided routine logistical support while maintaining full transparency and regular communication with all relevant parties.
The official reaction followed a report by CBS News alleging that Iran had moved some of its military and civilian aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan due to concerns over potential U.S. strikes.
The network claimed that days after President Trump announced a ceasefire in early April, Tehran dispatched several aircraft to Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase, including an Iranian Air Force RC-130—a reconnaissance and electronic intelligence-gathering version of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
The CBS report also alleged that shortly before the start of hostilities, Iran’s Mahan Air moved some of its fleet to Kabul, which remained in Afghanistan after Iranian airspace was closed. It further claimed that amid tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, these planes were redirected to Herat Airport near the Iranian border.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban government, also issued a statement to CBS News categorically rejecting these allegations.
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