Pakistan Pushes Back Against Iranian Military Jets Claims

(MENAFN) Pakistan on Tuesday pushed back sharply against a US media report alleging the presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase, dismissing the claims as "misleading."

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued an official statement categorically rejecting the media report, which alleged that an Iranian aircraft had arrived during the ceasefire period.

"Such speculative narratives appear aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace," the ministry said.

Islamabad clarified that aircraft from both Iran and the US had landed on Pakistani soil to facilitate the movement of diplomats, security personnel, and administrative teams engaged in regional de-escalation discussions. Some aircraft and support staff, the ministry noted, had remained temporarily in the country in anticipation of further rounds of talks, even as formal negotiations have yet to resume.

The government confirmed that recent visits by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad were conducted under those same logistical arrangements.

Pakistan firmly denied any suggestion that the Iranian aircraft were connected to military contingency or preservation operations, labeling such claims as "speculative" and "detached from the factual context."

Islamabad reaffirmed its role as a neutral facilitator committed to dialogue and de-escalation, maintaining open channels of communication with all relevant parties — and pledging continued support for regional stability and peaceful engagement.

The rebuttal came after media reported Monday that Islamabad had quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields while positioning itself as a diplomatic conduit between Tehran and Washington — moves the outlet suggested may have shielded the aircraft from potential American airstrikes.

The broader conflict erupted on Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, while also triggering the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation took effect on April 8, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to yield a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by President Donald Trump without a fixed deadline.

Tensions remained elevated on Sunday after Iran delivered its response to a US proposal for ending the war — only for Trump to dismiss it as "totally unacceptable."

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