A CBS News report has raised questions about Pakistan's role as a mediator in the recent U.S.-Iran conflict, alleging that Islamabad allowed Iranian military aircraft to shelter at its Nur Khan Air Base to avoid potential American strikes. The report, citing U.S. officials, claims Iran moved multiple aircraft—including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane—to the base shortly after a ceasefire was announced on April 8. This development has drawn sharp reactions in Washington, with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham calling for a reevaluation of Pakistan’s diplomatic position. Pakistan has denied the allegations, noting the base's location in a densely populated area makes such activity hard to conceal.

Separately, the report mentions Iran moved a civilian aircraft operated by Mahan Air to Kabul before the conflict began, later relocating it to Herat after Pakistan launched attacks on Afghanistan. However, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied any presence of Iranian military aircraft in Afghanistan. The controversy unfolds as Pakistan attempts to maintain strategic ties with both the U.S. and Iran while deepening military cooperation with China, which supplied nearly 80% of Pakistan’s major arms imports from 2020 to 2024, according to a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute study.

Despite a temporary ceasefire, U.S.-Iran tensions remain high. Iranian officials insist uranium enrichment is non-negotiable in future talks, while former U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran’s latest proposal as a 'piece of garbage' and claimed the ceasefire was on 'life support.' The allegations now challenge perceptions of Pakistan’s neutrality in regional diplomacy.