Last weekend, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) escorted an Iranian negotiating team back to their homeland following unsuccessful peace talks with the US. This large-scale operation was carried out after concerns were raised by the Iranians regarding a potential assassination attempt by Israel.
elchi reports that three sources informed the Reuters agency about this matter.
According to two Pakistani sources aware of the operation, Pakistan deployed nearly two dozen (about 24) aircraft, as well as an airborne surveillance and control system, to ensure the security of the delegation on their return journey from Islamabad.
According to one of the sources, similar protection will be provided in future negotiations if the Iranians request it, “otherwise, Pakistani aircraft will meet them within the country’s airspace.”
A third source involved in the talks stated that security measures are already being prepared ahead of the next round scheduled for this weekend.
However, a regional diplomat in contact with Tehran noted that Pakistan insisted on the escort issue only after the Iranian representatives raised the possibility of a “hypothetical” threat.
There had been no prior reports regarding the potential threat that could arise during the trip with the Iranian delegation or the involvement of the Pakistan Air Force in Iranian airspace.
“When the talks failed, the Iranians started to worry that there was a problem. They suspected they could become targets,” one of the sources in the security service said.
“From a pilot’s perspective, this was a large-scale operational mission. You take responsibility for the delegation going to the talks, you provide them with air defense, and you have powerful fighter jets capable of repelling any threat,” the source added.
A source participating in the highest-level talks between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution confirmed the fact of the air escort but did not disclose the details of the operation.
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