US Senator Lindsey Graham raised doubts about Pakistan’s credibility as a mediator in the Iran conflict, alleging that Iranian aircraft might be using Pakistani air bases. This occurred during a Senate hearing on President Trump’s defense budget, where concerns over the Middle East situation were discussed. Graham specifically mentioned reports of Pakistan permitting Iranian aircraft to utilize its military facilities.
General Dan Caine, when asked about this, cautiously acknowledged seeing one report on the matter. However, he refrained from confirming its accuracy due to ongoing diplomatic efforts and classification concerns. Graham then questioned the compatibility of such actions with Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the Iran crisis.
The Senator expressed distrust towards Pakistan, stating that if the reports were true, it would undermine Pakistan’s credibility as a mediator. He also linked Pakistan to broader issues involving China’s role in the Iran conflict and Russia’s activities. Graham highlighted China’s significant purchases of Iranian oil and suggested that US tariff pressure influenced India’s reduction in Russian oil imports.
These developments come amidst Pakistan positioning itself as a potential intermediary between Iran and Western powers amid escalating tensions in the region. The concerns raised in the Senate hearing reflect growing unease within the US Congress regarding Pakistan’s stance in the evolving Middle East crisis and its impact on international efforts to stabilize Gulf trade routes.
