Iran Offers to Mediate Between Taliban and Pakistan to Ease Border Tensions
Iran has reiterated its readiness to mediate between the Taliban and Pakistan to help prevent escalating border tensions, provided both parties agree.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, November 9, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran has conveyed, through separate contacts with the Taliban and Pakistan, its willingness to “assist in resolving the issue.”
Baghaei expressed concern over the ongoing conflict between Kabul and Islamabad, warning that instability along the eastern borders poses a threat not only to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran but to the overall stability of the region.
He noted that Iran’s concerns go beyond its shared borders, citing cultural, historical, and religious ties with both Afghanistan and Pakistan as influencing Iran’s position.
The spokesperson added that since the onset of the tensions, the Islamic Republic has urged both sides to exercise restraint and has been prepared to support a peaceful resolution.
He also stated that recent discussions held by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi with the Taliban’s foreign minister and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar emphasized the need for dialogue and avoiding escalation.
Iran’s offer comes after previous mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey in Istanbul failed to yield results, with talks between the Taliban and Pakistan ending without agreement.
As armed activity intensifies along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and the Taliban administration faces growing diplomatic isolation, many observers view Iran’s initiative with skepticism and call for increased pressure on the Taliban to respond and adjust their foreign policy behavior.
