Washington — Pakistan is stepping up as a diplomatic link between Iran and the United States. Recent reports suggest it has allowed Iranian military planes to use its airfields, possibly protecting them from U.S. airstrikes. Iranian civilian aircraft have also been spotted in Afghanistan. However, officials confirm that the exact nature of these flights is unclear.
This movement of aircraft signals a strategic effort by Iran to safeguard its military resources amid escalating tensions. A U.S. official noted that right after President Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in early April, multiple Iranian aircraft were sent to the Nur Khan Air Force Base near Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Among the aircraft was an RC-130, used for reconnaissance. U.S. Central Command referred inquiries to Afghan and Pakistani officials, but a senior Pakistani official denied any unusual activity at Nur Khan, claiming the base is too visible to hide large numbers of aircraft.
In Afghanistan, an Iranian civilian plane belonging to Mahan Air landed in Kabul shortly before the conflict intensified. With Iranian airspace closed, it was parked at Kabul Airport. However, due to Pakistani airstrikes near Kabul, Taliban aviation authorities moved it to Herat Airport for safety.
The importance of Pakistan’s relationship with China cannot be overstated. A recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute found that China supplied about 80% of Pakistan’s major arms from 2020 to 2024. This growing partnership reflects Pakistan’s delicate balancing act as it seeks to maintain ties with both the U.S. and Iran while enhancing its military reliance on China.
China has publicly supported Pakistan’s facilitative role in the Iran-U.S. dialogue. Meanwhile, Iran has outlined demands in peace talks, including compensation for war damages and the lifting of sanctions. After President Trump rejected these demands, tensions remain high despite the ceasefire. Small skirmishes continue to erupt around the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the fragile state of peace.
On Sunday, the United Arab Emirates reported new drone attacks linked to Iran, further complicating the security landscape. The U.S. Navy faced attacks while operating in the Strait, leading to retaliatory strikes on two Iranian ports. The ongoing conflict underscores the intricate political and military dynamics in the region.
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War, Pakistan, Iran
