On Tuesday, President Donald Trump affirmed that he sees no need to reconsider Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the ongoing conflict involving Iran. This statement came in response to remarks by Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Republican ally, who expressed distrust towards Islamabad. Graham had commented on reports suggesting that Pakistan was providing sanctuary to Iranian military aircraft on its airfields, potentially shielding them from U.S. air strikes.
The controversy arose after a report indicated that Pakistan allowed Iranian planes to utilize its airfields, a claim that Islamabad disputes. According to Pakistani officials, both U.S. and Iranian aircraft were stationed in Islamabad to facilitate logistics ahead of ceasefire discussions. While some aircraft remained in Pakistan pending further negotiations, the government clarified that this was not part of any “preservation arrangement” for the aircraft.
Graham, speaking before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee, voiced his concerns by stating, “I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them.” He further suggested that if Pakistan were indeed safeguarding Iranian military assets, the United States might need to consider another nation to mediate in the conflict.
Despite these concerns, President Trump quickly dismissed the notion of reevaluating Pakistan’s involvement. He told reporters, “No, they’re great,” emphasizing the positive roles played by Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Trump’s comments underscore his administration’s trust in Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
In response to the allegations, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained that the Iranian aircraft present in the country arrived during the ceasefire period and had no connection to any military arrangements. The ministry stated, “Assertions suggesting otherwise are speculative, misleading, and entirely detached from the factual context.” According to anonymous U.S. officials, Iranian aircraft were sent to Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Force Base near Rawalpindi shortly after Trump announced the ceasefire on April 7.