ISLAMABAD, May 12 — The Foreign Office (FO) on Tuesday issued a categorical denial regarding an American media report claiming that Pakistan had “quietly allowed” Iranian military aircraft to park at its airfields. Terming the report “misleading and sensationalized,” the FO clarified that the presence of any foreign aircraft is strictly related to the logistical requirements of the ongoing Islamabad Talks. Officials emphasized that Pakistan remains an impartial facilitator in the Middle East peace process and that such speculative narratives are aimed at undermining regional stability.
Quick Facts
- The FO rejected a CBS News report alleging Iranian hardware, including an RC-130, was stationed for “preservation.”
- Tehran and Washington both sent aircraft to Nur Khan Airbase to support diplomatic personnel for the Islamabad Talks.
- The aircraft arrived during the April ceasefire and are used solely for administrative and security transport.
- Temporary parking was granted in anticipation of subsequent rounds of high-level diplomatic engagement.
- The FO clarified that the arrangements have “no linkage whatsoever” to any military contingency or intelligence gathering.
- Recent reports suggest a shift in editorial direction at CBS News may have influenced the nature of the coverage.
🔊PR No.1️⃣1️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Official Response to CBS Report on Iranian Aircraft in Pakistan
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZqJw28nNaK— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 12, 2026
The controversy stems from a report by CBS News citing unnamed U.S. officials, which alleged that Iranian intelligence-gathering aircraft were being sheltered in Pakistan following the early April ceasefire. In response, the FO explained that during the initial rounds of mediation, both Iranian and U.S. delegations utilized Pakistani facilities to facilitate the movement of security teams and administrative staff. Some aircraft remained on the ground to support visits by the Iranian foreign minister and other senior diplomats as exchanges continue.
The Foreign Office further criticized the report for being “detached from the factual context,” reiterating that Pakistan maintains full transparency with all relevant international parties. Observers have noted that the CBS report surfaced following high-level management changes at the network, which The Guardian recently reported has led to concerns over a specific ideological slant in its Middle East coverage. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a responsible mediator, providing routine logistical support to help reduce tensions and advance global peace.
You May Like To Read: Afghan leadership offers condolences to JUI-F chief following assassination of Maulana Idrees
Check out our latest video:
