Pakistan Escorts Iranian Negotiators Amid Israeli Threat
Analysis based on 23 articles · First reported Apr 17, 2026 · Last updated Apr 17, 2026
Pakistan's air force conducted a major operation to escort Iranian negotiators, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, home from inconclusive peace talks with the United States in Islamabad. The escort, involving some two dozen jets and an Airborne Warning and Control System, was initiated after the Iranian delegation expressed fears that Israel might target them. This unprecedented security measure underscores the high tensions in the region, especially given that Araqchi and Qalibaf were reportedly on an Israeli strike list. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's past statements about not issuing 'life insurance policies' to Iranian leaders further fueled these concerns. Despite the failure of the initial talks, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that dialogue is still alive and further talks could occur soon.
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