Despite mediation role, Pak allowed Iran to use Nur Khan airbase to avoid American strikes

Even as Pakistan publicly positioned itself as a diplomatic intermediary between Tehran and Washington during the recent conflict between Iran and the United States, US officials have alleged that Islamabad quietly permitted Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields, potentially protecting them from possible American strikes.

Iran also transferred civilian aircraft to neighbouring Afghanistan as the conflict escalated, CBS News reported, citing US officials familiar with the matter. Two officials told CBS News it remained unclear whether military aircraft were among the flights sent to Afghanistan.

The reported movements appeared aimed at safeguarding portions of Iran’s military and aviation infrastructure amid the widening confrontation, while regional actors simultaneously pursued efforts to prevent further escalation.