ISLAMABAD (April 17, 2026) — In a high-stakes military operation, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) provided a multi-jet fighter escort to return the Iranian negotiating team to Tehran following the conclusion of historic peace talks in Islamabad. The mission was launched after the Iranian delegation expressed grave concerns that Israel might attempt to intercept or target their aircraft in international airspace.
Exclusive: Iran negotiators, citing possible Israeli attack, got Pakistan escort home from peace talks – https://t.co/aRWzytWSEF
— Reuters Iran (@ReutersIran) April 17, 2026
The Escort Operation
- Approximately two dozen fighter jets, including the PAF’s premier J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” aircraft.
- The operation was supported by AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) for continuous aerial monitoring.
- PAF jets escorted the Iranian aircraft from Islamabad deep into Iranian airspace, ensuring a “handover” to Tehran’s own defense systems.
- The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.
Fears of “Targeted Elimination”
According to security sources, the Iranian delegation became increasingly wary after the first round of face-to-face talks with US Vice President JD Vance ended without a final breakthrough. This suspicion was heightened by recent Israeli rhetoric; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had recently stated he would not “issue life insurance policies” for Iranian leaders.
Following claims of a possible Israeli attack on the Iranian delegation, Pakistan’s air force deployed two dozen jets, as well as the Airborne Warning and Control System for aerial surveillance, to escort negotiators home after inconclusive peace talks with the US.…
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) April 17, 2026
The threat was viewed as credible given the context of the 2026 conflict, during which Israel has successfully carried out assassinations of top Iranian figures, including the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and security chief Ali Larijani. Sources indicate that Araghchi and Qalibaf were reportedly on an Israeli “strike list” until Pakistan successfully lobbied Washington to intervene, arguing that killing the negotiators would end any hope of a diplomatic resolution.
“Our Responsibility Beyond the Border”
A senior Pakistani security official described the mission as a “massive operational task.” He noted that while providing an air escort for foreign dignitaries is a departure from standard protocol, Pakistan felt an “absolute responsibility” for the safety of those it had invited for peace talks. “We dropped them all the way to Tehran,” the source confirmed, adding that similar protection would be offered for future rounds if requested.
Status of the “Islamabad Talks”
Despite the tense departure, the diplomatic channel remains active. President Donald Trump—who recently warned that “a whole civilization will die” if a deal isn’t reached—noted on Thursday that the war could end “pretty soon.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has since praised Pakistan as an “incredible mediator,” confirming that a second round of negotiations is highly likely to take place in Islamabad as early as this weekend.
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