PAF escorted Iranian delegation amid security concerns after Islamabad talks: reports

Pakistan Air Force escorted an Iranian delegation back home following talks in Islamabad after concerns emerged about a possible Israeli threat, according to sources.

The operation involved around two dozen fighter jets along with airborne surveillance support to ensure safe passage of the delegation, sources said, adding that similar arrangements could be made for future visits if requested.

The escort followed discussions around potential risks during travel, with one source stating that concerns were raised about the possibility of the delegation being targeted after talks concluded without an agreement.

A regional diplomat said Pakistan moved to provide the escort after Iranian officials discussed a possible threat scenario, even though no formal request was made.

The mission included deployment of J-10 aircraft, part of the Pakistan Air Force’s fleet, and extended beyond Pakistani airspace until the delegation reached Iran.

The delegation was led by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, both of whom had participated in high-level discussions with a United States delegation in Islamabad.

Sources said security planning for future rounds of talks is already under consideration, with further engagements expected soon.

Officials from Israel, Iran, Pakistan and the United States did not immediately comment on the reported operation.

The talks, described as the highest-level engagement between Iran and the United States in decades, ended without a deal, though sources indicated that dialogue between the two sides remains ongoing.