US Senator Lindsey Graham Accuses Pakistan of Violating Neutrality in Peace Talks

Lindsey Graham, a Republican US Senator, accused Pakistan of violating neutrality in the peace negotiation process during a US Senate Armed Services Committee meeting. He warned that if reports confirming the presence of Iranian aircraft at Pakistani bases are verified, Washington should seek another mediator.

These remarks were made during a session attended by Dan Quinn, the top US military commander, and Kathleen Hicks, the former Deputy Secretary of Defense. Referring to reports published in Western media, Graham asked General Quinn whether he was aware of reports suggesting that Pakistan allowed Iranian planes to park at its bases.

General Quinn responded that he had seen only “one report” on this matter but declined to provide further details due to security considerations. Graham then posed the same question to Kathleen Hicks, adding that if a mediator permits Iranian reconnaissance planes to be stationed at its bases, such an action would be incompatible with the principle of neutrality.

Hicks stated that she did not want to take a position amid ongoing negotiations, but Graham candidly declared that he does not trust Pakistan and that if these reports are accurate, Pakistan’s continued role as mediator would be questionable.

Earlier, CBS News, citing US officials, reported that following the ceasefire announced in April, Pakistan allowed some Iranian military aircraft, including an RC-130, to be stationed at the Nur Khan Airbase.

In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the report, calling it “misleading and inflammatory.” Islamabad stressed that such allegations could undermine ongoing efforts to maintain stability and peace in the region.