Repaying The Debt? Why Pakistan's Iran Airbase Row Is Reviving Memories Of 1971

Last Updated:May 13, 2026, 09:29 IST

Historical accounts suggest that Iran allowed Pakistan to move or protect some of its aircraft and military resources amid fears of Indian strikes during the 1971 war

Fresh reports and satellite imagery suggesting that Pakistan allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its Nur Khan airbase during the ongoing US-Iran tensions have triggered questions over Islamabad’s neutrality, especially at a time when Islamabad is also acting as a key mediator between Washington and Tehran in backchannel and indirect talks.

While Pakistan initially denied the reports, it later acknowledged the presence of Iranian aircraft but insisted the claims were being misrepresented. Islamabad has maintained that its role in the US-Iran crisis remains that of a mediator rather than a military participant.

The controversy has also revived memories of a little-discussed episode from the 1971 India-Pakistan war, when Iran had quietly helped Islamabad protect critical military assets during the conflict. A Times of India report frames the current developments as Pakistan “returning the favour" more than five decades later.

Why 1971 Is Being Recalled

The current developments have drawn attention because of the historical parallel highlighted in the Times of India report. During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi-led Iranian regime had reportedly provided sanctuary and logistical support to Pakistan’s military assets at a time when Islamabad faced the prospect of major losses against India.

According to the report, at the time, Iran was one of Pakistan’s closest regional allies and strongly backed Islamabad diplomatically and militarily. Historical accounts suggest that Iran allowed Pakistan to move or protect some of its aircraft and military resources amid fears of Indian strikes during the war. The support was also seen as aligning with broader US strategic interests in the region during the Cold War period, particularly under the Nixon administration, which was tilted towards Pakistan during the conflict.

The latest allegations, therefore, are being interpreted by several analysts as Islamabad “returning the favour" more than five decades later, this time by allegedly helping Tehran secure military assets as the possibility of American strikes loomed.

Why Nur Khan Airbase Matters

The Nur Khan airbase is among Pakistan’s most strategically important military facilities. Located close to Islamabad and Rawalpindi, it serves as a major logistics and transport hub for the Pakistan Air Force and lies near sensitive strategic infrastructure linked to Pakistan’s nuclear command system.

The base had also come under intense spotlight during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict after Indian precision strikes targeted key Pakistani military installations, including Nur Khan. Analysts quoted by The Guardian believe its strategic depth and security infrastructure make it one of the safest locations in Pakistan for temporarily hosting sensitive military aircraft.

This is why reports of Iranian aircraft being stationed there, even briefly, have generated geopolitical scrutiny far beyond South Asia.

For Washington, the issue raises questions over Pakistan’s claimed neutrality in mediation efforts. The stand was made evident by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who said he does not “trust" Pakistan and that the United States should look for someone else to mediate a truce with Iran.

“I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them. If they actually do have Iranian aircraft parked in Pakistan bases to protect Iranian military assets, that tells me we should be looking maybe for somebody else to mediate. No wonder this damn thing is going nowhere," the Senator said.

For India, however, it revives old debates over the enduring strategic compact between Pakistan and Iran during moments of regional crisis.

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