Washington DC [US], May 12 (HBTV): Lindsey Graham has called for a ‘complete reevaluation’ of Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the Iran conflict following reports that Islamabad may have assisted Tehran during the recent hostilities in West Asia.
Pakistan has come under scrutiny after reports suggested it may have allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its airfields, raising concerns about its neutrality in negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities.
According to reports by CBS News, citing two US officials, Pakistan allegedly supported Iran during the conflict while simultaneously maintaining ties with the United States.
Reacting to the developments, Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Donald Trump, said in a post on X that he would ‘not be shocked’ if the reports were accurate. He also referred to past statements by Pakistani officials regarding Israel, a key US ally.
‘If this reporting is accurate, it would require a complete reevaluation of the role Pakistan is playing as mediator between Iran, the United States and other parties. Given some of the prior statements by Pakistani defence officials towards Israel, I would not be shocked if this were true,’ Graham stated.
The remarks come after US officials told CBS News that days after Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in early April, Tehran sent multiple aircraft to Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base.
Among the aircraft was reportedly an Iranian Air Force RC-130, a reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft.
While a senior Pakistani official denied the claims, an Afghan civil aviation officer told CBS News that an Iranian civilian aircraft belonging to Mahan Air had landed in Kabul shortly before the conflict began.
Pakistan’s role as a mediator has also come under question within the US administration, with concerns emerging over its communication of Washington’s position to Tehran. Reports suggest that some officials believe Pakistan may have conveyed a more favourable interpretation of Iran’s stance during the peace process.
According to a report by CNN, individuals close to Donald Trump have raised concerns about Pakistan’s mediation efforts, with doubts over whether US positions are being accurately represented.
The developments have contributed to growing distrust within the US administration regarding Pakistan’s role in the ongoing diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran.
(ANI)