Pakistan Faces Scrutiny After Report on Iranian Aircraft at Nur Khan Base

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan faced growing diplomatic scrutiny on Monday after reports claimed Iranian military aircraft used Nur Khan Air Base during ongoing indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran.

According to a report by CBS News, unnamed US officials alleged that Pakistan allowed several Iranian aircraft, including an Iranian Air Force RC-130 reconnaissance plane, to park at the strategically important airbase near Rawalpindi following President Donald Trump’s April ceasefire announcement.

The report stated that American officials viewed the move as a possible attempt to shield Iranian aircraft from potential US strikes during the regional conflict. At the same time, the base reportedly hosted indirect US-Iran negotiations involving Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner.

However, Pakistani officials strongly disputed the allegations. A senior official told CBS News that the airbase sits in the center of Rawalpindi and could not conceal large aircraft movements from public view. Pakistani commentators also described the claims as misleading and linked them to routine diplomatic arrangements connected to the talks.

Meanwhile, US Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Pakistan’s role as mediator if the allegations proved accurate. He stated that such reports could force Washington to reassess Islamabad’s involvement in diplomatic efforts concerning Iran.

Separately, reports indicated that Trump signaled support for renewed military pressure on Iran after dismissing Tehran’s latest proposal. Iranian Atomic Energy Organization chief Mohammad Eslami also reiterated that uranium enrichment remained outside negotiation discussions.

The developments have intensified concerns over regional diplomacy, energy markets, and security calculations surrounding the conflict. Oil prices also climbed sharply amid fears of wider instability linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.