Fresh geopolitical tensions have erupted after explosive claims from US officials alleged that Iranian military aircraft were relocated to Pakistani airbases following fears of potential American airstrikes. The controversy has now placed Pakistan’s role as a supposed mediator between Washington and Tehran under intense international scrutiny. According to reports cited by CBS, Iranian aircraft were allegedly moved to Pakistan’s strategically important Nur Khan Airbase after ceasefire developments in West Asia. However, Islamabad has strongly denied the allegations, insisting there is no evidence of Iranian military activity at any Pakistani base. The issue escalated further after US Senator Lindsey Graham publicly questioned Pakistan’s neutrality and called for a comprehensive reassessment of Islamabad’s diplomatic role in US-Iran engagement. WATCH

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly backed India for a major peace role in West Asia, appearing to sideline Pakistan during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. Lavrov acknowledged that Pakistan was helping facilitate urgent dialogue between the US and Iran, but stressed that if a “long-term mediator” was needed, “this role could be played by India” because of Delhi’s “vast diplomatic experience.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also backed a larger Indian role, saying Tehran would welcome any “constructive role” by India in resolving the West Asia crisis.