Pakistan allowed Iranian military aircraft to be stationed at the Nur Khan Air Base near Rawalpindi during a period of tension between the U.S. and Iran [1].
The incident highlights the precarious diplomatic balancing act Pakistan maintains between its regional neighbors and its strategic relationship with the United States. Such movements of military assets can trigger security concerns for Western allies and alter the perceived stability of the region.
Reports indicate that the warplanes were hosted at the base during a U.S.–Iran crisis in 2024 [1, 3]. The Nur Khan Air Base, located outside Rawalpindi, served as the site for these operations [1, 2]. This arrangement suggests an attempt by Pakistan to manage regional pressures by providing support to Iran while attempting to preserve its ties with Washington [1, 3].
However, the presence of these aircraft is a point of contention. While Military.com reported that Pakistan sheltered the planes, Middle East Eye reported that Islamabad denies any Iranian military aircraft were present at the base [1, 2].
U.S. lawmakers have reacted sharply to the reports. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) voiced his disapproval of the situation. "I don't trust them," Graham said [3].
The controversy underscores the friction between Pakistan's internal security priorities and the expectations of its international partners. The use of a high-profile base like Nur Khan for foreign military aircraft, especially those from a nation under heavy U.S. sanctions, creates a significant diplomatic rift.
“"I don't trust them."”
This situation illustrates the 'double-game' diplomacy often attributed to Pakistan, where it seeks to maintain security cooperation with the US while avoiding hostility with Iran. The friction caused by these reports suggests that the US is increasingly sensitive to any military cooperation between Islamabad and Tehran, potentially impacting future military aid or diplomatic trust.
