Iran discomforted with the recent U.S.-Pakistan bonhomie, fears possible strikes by US using Pakistan airbases
Pakistan’s Field Marshall Asim Munir’s luncheon with US President Donald Trump (which lasted two hours) has become a cause of concern for Iran.
Speculation is rife on whether U.S. will use Pakistan’s airbases- like Nur Khan- for attacking Iran.
“We hope Pakistan doesn’t let their airbases be used against us,” said an Iranian diplomat.
It may be recalled that General Munir after meet President Trump said he should be honoured with a Nobel award as he brought about peace between India and Pakistan. Munir also expressed concern over increasing militant threat around the Pakistan-Iran border.
While the US has maintained that they would revert on their decision on whether to join Israel against its war Iran within two weeks- this would also give them time to gear up for a possible military strike from a Pakistani airbase.
Meanwhile, Pakistani security expert Imtiaz Gul has said that the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, is "under American control," and that even senior Pakistan Army officers are not allowed to interfere.
Gul further stated that U.S. aircraft were frequently seen at the base, and the arrangements were undisclosed.
The Nur Khan airbase is strategically vital for Pakistan. It is located near Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which is the headquarters of the Pakistan Army. The airbase is also close to the Strategic Plans Division, which is in charge of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. The base houses Pakistan's main air transport squadrons and serves as the command center for the country’s air mobility operations.
Amidst all the recent bonhomie between General Munir and President Trump, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was conspicuous by his absence. This shows that the army continues to call the sbots in Pakistan