Islamabad denies sheltering Iran jets, Trump praises Pakistan's mediation as 'absolutely great'

Pakistan has denied reports that it allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its airfields amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the claims misleading and sensationalized, emphasizing that any Iranian and U.S. aircraft present in Pakistan were there solely to facilitate diplomatic personnel and security teams involved in ongoing peace talks. Islamabad has positioned itself as a key mediator in the conflict, hosting initial rounds of negotiations that helped secure a temporary ceasefire between the two nations. The controversy arose following a CBS report suggesting that Iran may have used Pakistani airspace to shield its jets from potential U.S. airstrikes, and that Tehran possibly sent a civilian aircraft to Afghanistan during the conflict. Pakistan’s government rejected these assertions, stating that some aircraft and support staff remained temporarily in the country in anticipation of further diplomatic engagement. The mediation efforts have been led by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, underscoring Islamabad’s strategic role given its geographic proximity to Iran and its longstanding ties with the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump praised Pakistan’s mediation, describing the country’s leadership as “absolutely great” in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan’s involvement follows a period of heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader region, where Iran’s covert repositioning of strike drones and military maneuvers have raised concerns. The ceasefire and subsequent talks hosted by Pakistan in early April marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough, with Vice President JD Vance participating in discussions aimed at de-escalating the conflict. Pakistan’s unique position as a regional mediator highlights its balancing act between maintaining strategic partnerships with the U.S. and managing complex relations with neighboring Iran. The ongoing diplomatic efforts reflect the broader international desire to stabilize the region and prevent further military escalation, with Islamabad playing a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and peace negotiations.