According to a Reuters report of April 17, the Pakistani air force provided a large fighter jet escort for the Iranian delegation when it returned to Iran from Islamabad on Sunday, April 12, in response to fear that Israel might try to shoot down the Iranian delegation’s plane. Pakistan deployed some two dozen jets in the escort, as well as the force’s Airborne Warning and Control System for aerial surveillance to ensure the safety of the delegation back from Islamabad, said two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the operation, Reuters reported.
One of the sources said similar security protection would be provided for subsequent talks if the Iranians ask for it, “otherwise Pakistani aircraft would receive them in Pakistan airspace.” A third source involved in the talks said measures were already in the works ahead of an expected further round of talks as soon as this weekend.
