Fake News: Trump didn’t seek access to ‘military bases’ in Pakistan from army chief

Indian media outlets reported that US President Donald Trump has sought access to military bases from Pakistan during Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Washington.

President Trump hosted a luncheon for Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House where they discussed a wide range of issues related to counter terrorism and the regional issues.

Claim

Several Indian media outlets reported that President Trump sought access to military bases and seaports in Pakistan for the ongoing war against Iran. There were reports that Trump asked the army chief to align on Iran in exchange for defence assistance and financial aid.

What happened?

India-based media outlet Firstpost shared the post on X, captioned, “In a meeting with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, US President Trump sought military bases and seaports in Pakistan for fifth-generation fighter planes, more financial aid, and new security and trade deals, according to a report.”

The news on the Firstpost’s website states, “President Trump has sought a trade-off with Pakistan that will reset the relationship between the two countries, according to a report.

 It added Trump “sought access to Pakistan’s military bases and seaports in exchange of cutting edge military technology, according to CNN-News18.”

“Trump’s offer to Munir: Give me military bases, I’ll give you fighters

“Trump has sought access to Pakistan’s military bases and seaports in exchange for providing Pakistan with fifth-generation fighter planes and advanced missiles, sources told CNN-News 18.

“Trump told Munir that the offer rests on the condition that Pakistan would curtain dealings with China and Russia.

The report said that Trump has also “offered Pakistan significant financial aid. Trump also told Munir that new security and trade agreements were also on the table, according to the report.”

“A top diplomatic source told CNN-News 18 that Trump wants to have Pakistan on his side if the United States joins Israel in the war on Iran. This is where military bases, logistical bases, and sea routes that he wants potentially come into the picture.”

The news was first aired on Indian media outlet News18 with the following tickers.

“Donald Trump warns Iran. Seeks air bases, ground & sea access from Pak.”

“Top Source: Trump demands air bases and ground support from Pak.”

The news was report as an “exclusive” on News18 with the headline, “Align On Iran, Pivot Away From China: Decoding Trump’s Lunch Message To Asim Munir.”

The report cities an unnamed “diplomatic source”  and later a “source close to the administration.”

The news by shared by other India-based media outlets including NDTV, Indian Express,  ABP Live, and The Daily Guardian.

Fact Check Pakistan has concluded the report is fake and based on dubious sources which cast doubts on its credibility.

Conclusion

Although President Trump and army chief Asim Munir discussed the Iran-Israel conflict during their meeting, there is no indication that the US President sought access to military bases in Pakistan or asked the country to align on Iran.

US authorities, including the president, White House and State Department have not issued any statement that both discussed access to military bases, nor have the Government of Pakistan, or the military press wing ISPR issued any statement.

Thus it has been concluded the news is fake.