ISLAMABAD, May 12: Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Tuesday rejected a CBS News report regarding the presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase, describing the claims as “misleading and sensationalized” and saying the aircraft were linked to diplomatic and logistical arrangements connected to ongoing regional dialogue efforts.

In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan said aircraft from both Iran and the United States arrived in the country after the ceasefire and during the initial round of the Islamabad Talks to transport diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff involved in the process.

The Foreign Office stated that some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan in anticipation of further engagements, while diplomatic contacts continued despite the formal talks not resuming.

According to the statement, visits by the Iranian foreign minister to Islamabad after the first round of discussions were facilitated through the same logistical and administrative arrangements already in place.

Pakistan rejected suggestions that the Iranian aircraft were stationed in the country for military protection or contingency purposes, saying the aircraft arrived during the ceasefire period and had “no linkage whatsoever” to any preservation arrangement.

“The assertions suggesting otherwise are speculative, misleading, and entirely detached from the factual context,” the statement said.

Pakistan says role remains neutral and transparent

The Foreign Office said Pakistan had continued to act as an “impartial, constructive, and responsible facilitator” in support of dialogue and de-escalation between the concerned parties.

It added that Pakistan had extended routine logistical and administrative support where necessary while maintaining transparency and communication with all relevant stakeholders.

The statement reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting regional and global peace, stability, and security.

The CBS report had claimed that Iranian military aircraft, including a reconnaissance aircraft, were quietly allowed to remain at Nur Khan Airbase following ceasefire-related diplomatic engagements.

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