A report by the American media Iran Spy Plane outlet CBS News has sparked a new controversy in the politics of South Asia and the Middle East. The report claims that the Pakistan Air Force granted permission for an Iranian RC-130 reconnaissance aircraft to be parked at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base.
This is the same airbase where the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) transport fleet is also stationed. Citing U.S. officials, the report states that this step was taken to shield Iranian military aircraft from potential American attacks.
According to the report, several Iranian aircraft arrived at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base a few days after a ceasefire was declared between the United States and Iran. Among these was an RC-130 reconnaissance aircraft, which is utilized for intelligence gathering and surveillance missions.
U.S. officials suggest that Iran spy plane was seeking assistance from neighboring countries to safeguard its military assets.
However, Pakistan has categorically rejected these allegations. Issuing a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the CBS report as “misleading and sensational.” Islamabad points out that Nur Khan Air Base is not a clandestine location but is situated in the heart of the city, making it impossible to conceal a large number of aircraft there.
Pakistan further clarified that Iranian and American aircraft had visited Pakistan solely for the purpose of diplomatic negotiations and the movement of security delegations.
According to the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, logistical support was provided to officials and security personnel from both nations during the “Islamabad Talks.” Some aircraft remained temporarily in Pakistan in anticipation of potential follow-up meetings.
Pakistan asserted that the presence of these aircraft was entirely unrelated to any military operations or strategies aimed at shielding them from U.S. attacks.
This controversy has also raised questions regarding Pakistan’s “dual policy.” On one hand, Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator between the United States and Iran; yet, on the other, it now faces accusations of providing a safe haven for Iranian military aircraft. Many international analysts believe that if these allegations prove to be true, they could escalate tensions in US-Pakistan relations.
Debate surrounding this issue has also intensified on social media and international forums. Some experts argue that this claim relies solely on US intelligence sources, and no public evidence has emerged thus far. Meanwhile, pro-Pakistan groups are dismissing it as “propaganda.”
At present, the actual truth remains entirely unclear. However, one thing is certain: this controversy involving the Noor Khan Air Base and the Iranian RC-130 aircraft has once again thrust regional politics and security dynamics into the spotlight.
