A report alleging that Pakistan has provided sanctuary to Iranian military aircraft has revived a historical irony from the subcontinent's geopolitical past. More than five decades after Iran sheltered Pakistani military assets during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, with quiet encouragement from the Nixon administration, Pakistan now appears accused of returning the favor to Tehran as the United States considers military pressure on Iran.
Pakistan's Denial and US Response
Pakistani officials have predictably denied the allegations. Speaking to CBS News, they argued that the claims were implausible because the Nur Khan airbase, where the aircraft were allegedly hidden, sits 'right in the heart of the city,' making it impossible to conceal 'a large fleet of aircraft.' The US administration has also stopped short of publicly accusing Islamabad of wrongdoing.
Iran reportedly dispersed civilian aircraft into neighboring Afghanistan as well. An Afghan civil aviation official confirmed that an aircraft belonging to Mahan Air landed in Kabul before hostilities escalated and was later moved to Herat for safety. This move came after Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory raised fears that Kabul airport itself could become a target.
Historical Parallels
For older South Asia hands, the allegations of Pakistani involvement carry a strong sense of historical deja vu. During the 1971 war, Iran under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi emerged as one of Pakistan's staunchest backers. Tehran supplied helicopters, fuel, ammunition, and spare parts to Islamabad while publicly denouncing India's intervention. Some Pakistani aircraft reportedly took refuge at Iranian bases.
Declassified Nixon-era documents later revealed that Washington quietly encouraged Iranian assistance as the US and China sought to prevent a Pakistani collapse. At that time, Iran and Pakistan were fellow members of the Cold War anti-Soviet alliance CENTO, and President Richard Nixon viewed both countries as strategic pillars against Soviet influence.
Shifting Alliances
Half a century later, the ideological map has been scrambled almost beyond recognition. Iran is now America's principal West Asian adversary, Pakistan is China's closest security partner in South Asia, and Beijing has publicly praised Islamabad's role in facilitating indirect US-Iran contacts.
Pakistan's balancing act has become increasingly delicate. Islamabad relies heavily on Chinese military hardware, with roughly 80% of its major arms imports between 2020 and 2024 reportedly coming from China. Simultaneously, it seeks to restore military and intelligence ties with Washington that deteriorated during the Obama administration.
Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistani officials have attempted to portray their engagement with Tehran as constructive diplomacy aimed at regional stability. Islamabad has periodically offered to mediate between the US and Iran, leveraging its unique position as one of the few countries maintaining working relations with both capitals.
However, skepticism about Pakistan's reliability remains deeply embedded in parts of the American national security establishment, despite President Trump's recent fondness for the country, particularly its 'Field Marshall.' The shadow of Osama bin Laden still hangs heavily over US-Pakistan ties. US officials and lawmakers have long accused elements within Pakistan's security apparatus of maintaining selective relationships with Islamist militant groups, charges Islamabad consistently denies.
Congressional Criticism
The latest allegations have already stirred criticism on Capitol Hill. Senator Lindsey Graham warned that, if true, the reports would require 'a complete re-evaluation' of Pakistan's role as mediator between Iran and the US.
About the Author: Chidanand Rajghatta, author of 'Kamala Harris: Phenomenal Woman,' reported from Washington.
