Washington: American Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s role as a potential mediator in ongoing ceasefire and diplomatic discussions involving the United States and Iran, suggesting Washington may need to consider an alternative peacemaker.
Speaking during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee focused on Iran and the US defence budget, Graham expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations and openly questioned Islamabad’s neutrality in the process.
The senator’s remarks followed reports alleging that Iranian military aircraft had been stationed at Pakistani air bases during the recent tensions involving Iran. Referring to those claims, Lindsey Graham said he did not trust Pakistan’s role in mediation if such reports proved accurate.
He cited allegations that Iranian aircraft were reportedly parked at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base near Rawalpindi to protect military assets during the ceasefire period. Graham argued that such developments could undermine Pakistan’s credibility as a neutral intermediary in the negotiations.
The controversy stems from a report by CBS News, which claimed that US officials had received intelligence indicating Iran had moved several aircraft, including surveillance variants of the Lockheed C-130, to Pakistani military facilities.
During the Senate hearing, Graham asked US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth whether allowing Iranian aircraft into Pakistan was consistent with Islamabad acting as a fair mediator in the diplomatic process. Hegseth avoided directly addressing the allegation, responding that he did not wish to interfere with ongoing negotiations.
Pakistan, however, has firmly denied the accusations. Officials told CBS News that the Nur Khan military base is located in a densely populated urban area and argued that the presence of a large number of foreign aircraft could not realistically remain hidden from public view.
The developments add another layer of tension to the already sensitive diplomatic environment surrounding US-Iran relations, with regional alliances and security concerns continuing to shape discussions involving multiple countries across West and South Asia.
