Trump backs Pakistan's Iran mediation role despite airbase allegations

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday strongly backed Pakistan's role as a mediator in the Iran conflict, praising its leadership even as a Republican senator questioned Islamabad's neutrality. The remarks came hours after Pakistan rejected a CBS News report alleging that Iranian military aircraft had been stationed at Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi.

What did Trump say about Pakistan's role in Iran mediation?

Trump praised Pakistan's leadership directly, saying the field marshal and prime minister had been "absolutely great" during efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.

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He expressed optimism about a deal with Iran, saying it would be good for both the American and Iranian people. The comments came as Trump was departing for Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

What did the CBS News report allege about Nur Khan Airbase?

The CBS News report, citing unnamed U.S. officials, claimed Pakistan had quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft, including an Iranian Air Force RC-130 reconnaissance plane, to use its airfields during the conflict. The allegations emerged as Pakistan was actively positioning itself as a neutral intermediary in the U.S.-Iran crisis. The report drew immediate pushback from Islamabad.

Pakistan's Foreign Office dismissed the report as "misleading, speculative and sensationalized," saying it distorted routine diplomatic and logistical activity linked to ceasefire negotiations. The ministry confirmed that aircraft from both Iran and the United States had landed in Pakistan during the ceasefire period, carrying diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff involved in talks. It added that some aircraft and support crews remained temporarily in Pakistan while preparations continued for possible future negotiations.

How did Pakistan respond to the airbase allegations?

Pakistan said the Iranian aircraft present during the ceasefire were not linked to any operational, defensive, or contingency military deployment, and reiterated that it had acted as a neutral and constructive facilitator throughout the crisis. A senior Pakistani official cited by the Foreign Office said concealing a large fleet of aircraft at Nur Khan, one of the country's most visible and strategically sensitive military facilities, would have been impossible. The base regularly hosts state aircraft and foreign delegations due to its proximity to Islamabad and its secure infrastructure.

Why did Senator Lindsey Graham criticize Pakistan's mediator role?

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was among the most vocal critics in Washington, questioning Pakistan's credibility as a neutral party. "I don't trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them. If they actually do have Iranian aircraft parked in Pakistan bases to protect Iranian military assets, that tells me we should be looking maybe for somebody else to mediate," Graham said. Trump, however, appeared to set aside the broader concerns, saying the United States had Iran "very much under control."

What did Trump say about China's role in the Iran conflict?

Trump confirmed he planned to discuss regional issues with Xi Jinping during his Beijing visit but downplayed China's direct involvement in resolving the Iran crisis. "We have a lot of things to discuss. I wouldn't say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you," he said. China remains one of Iran's most important economic and diplomatic partners, purchasing large volumes of Iranian oil despite sanctions and maintaining close ties with Tehran. Trump described Xi as "relatively good" and said the two countries had encountered no problems over oil flows from the region.