Islamabad

A senior Pakistani defence analyst has stated that military resources were deployed to ensure the secure return of an Iranian delegation following recent talks with the United States.

The delegation, led by Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, had visited Islamabad for discussions with a US team headed by Vice President JD Vance. The group returned on April 12 after concluding the talks.

Speaking during a television programme, retired Air Commodore Khalid Chisti said that, according to his sources, Pakistan deployed over two dozen fighter jets along with supporting systems to safeguard the aircraft carrying the Iranian officials from any potential threat.

Responding to reports about whether the Pakistan Air Force escorted the aircraft beyond national airspace and into Iran, Chisti confirmed that such an operation did take place. He described the move as highly unusual, noting that he had not encountered a similar instance during his service years. He characterised it as a gesture of goodwill.

Chisti also referred to a past incident involving an Iranian naval vessel that was attacked while returning from India, resulting in significant casualties. He suggested that Pakistan’s actions were aimed at preventing any repeat of such an event.

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Although there had been widespread speculation on social media regarding the aerial escort provided to the Iranian delegation, no official confirmation or detailed statement has been issued by the authorities so far.