Pakistan Rejects ‘Misleading' Iran Asset Claim After Trump Aides Question Mediator Role

Last Updated:May 12, 2026, 21:10 IST

Pakistan denied that the Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan airase were linked to military activity, saying they arrived during ceasefire talks to support diplomatic efforts.

Days after Pakistan raised eyebrows by reportedly sheltering Iranian assets amid the war with the United States in West Asia, Islamabad has denied accusations that it had protected Iranian military strikes, calling them “misleading and sensationalised."

Citing American officials, CBS News had reported that Pakistan “quietly allowed" Iranian military and surveillance aircraft, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane, to park on its airfields, effectively shielding them from possible US airstrikes.

Pakistan on Tuesday denied that the Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase were linked to military activity. “Pakistan categorically rejects the CBS News report regarding the presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase as misleading and sensationalised. Such speculative narratives appear aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace," the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said in a statement.

Pakistan claimed the planes arrived during ceasefire talks to support diplomatic and administrative efforts involving Iran and the US and had no military role. “The Iranian aircraft currently parked in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and bear no linkage whatsoever to any military contingency or preservation arrangement," he said.

Pakistan also said it has acted as an “impartial, constructive and responsible facilitator" and remains committed to facilitating dialogue, peace and regional stability.

Trump Aides Question Pakistan’s Role

Sources told CNN that some US officials believe Pakistan presents a more optimistic version of Iran’s position to the United States than the actual situation warrants, and have questioned whether Pakistan is forcefully delivering Trump’s frustration over the talks.

Trump has become increasingly frustrated with the way Iranian officials are conducting negotiations, while several aides close to him say he is now weighing a return to large-scale military operations more seriously than at any point in recent weeks.

This was noticeable as Trump described Iran’s recent response to a peace plan as “a piece of garbage" that he had not even read and declared that the month-old truce was on “massive life support." Many in Trump’s orbit want Pakistani mediators to be far more direct in their communications with the Iranians.

Lindsey Graham, one of Trump’s closest allies, said if the CBS report was accurate, “it would require a complete reevaluation of the role Pakistan is playing as mediator between Iran, the United States and other parties."

“Given some of the prior statements by Pakistani defense officials towards Israel, I would not be shocked if this were true," he added.

Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the Iranian crisis with a state visit to Beijing from May 13. China maintains ties with Iran and remains a major consumer of its oil exports.

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