Amid rapidly escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, reports have surfaced claiming that Pakistan secretly assisted Iran in protecting its key military aircraft from potential American airstrikes. According to U.S. intelligence sources, Iran allegedly shifted its sensitive reconnaissance aircraft, the Lockheed RC-130, to the Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi amid fears of a possible U.S. military offensive.
The alleged development has triggered sharp reactions in Washington, especially as Pakistan had publicly positioned itself as a mediator attempting to ease tensions between the United States and Iran. American officials are reportedly viewing the move as contradictory to Islamabad’s diplomatic stance during the ongoing regional crisis.
Reacting to the reports, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham warned that if the allegations were confirmed, Pakistan could no longer be considered a reliable mediator in the conflict. He stated that Washington may be forced to reassess Pakistan’s role and credibility in ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations.
Pakistan, however, strongly denied the accusations. Officials from Islamabad argued that Noor Khan Airbase is situated in a heavily populated urban zone, making it impossible to secretly shelter large military aircraft. They clarified that the Iranian aircraft had arrived only for diplomatic consultations and not for any military purpose or protection arrangement.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly rejected the peace proposals put forward by Iran, describing them as unacceptable and ineffective. He also stated that the ceasefire situation remained in a fragile condition. As tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to intensify, Pakistan’s alleged involvement has now become a major subject of global political discussion.