Tehran Summit: Regional Powers Voice Concern Over Afghanistan Security Threats
Special envoys from regional countries participating in the Tehran summit on Afghanistan have expressed concerns over security threats originating from the country. They also voiced readiness to cooperate in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
In a statement, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that participants considered strengthening stability in Afghanistan and fostering regional cooperation to address existing challenges among the main topics of discussion. According to the ministry, the participants emphasized that regional cooperation can play a vital role in reducing instability.
The statement said special envoys from Russia, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan called for lifting sanctions and unfreezing Afghanistan’s assets, underlining the international community’s responsibility in this regard. They also reiterated their opposition to any foreign military presence in Afghanistan.
Participants stressed that countries involved in shaping Afghanistan’s current situation have a responsibility to assist in the country’s reconstruction and in improving its economic and social conditions—without pursuing political agendas. Meanwhile, international organizations were urged to support the dignified return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries.
In another part of the summit, representatives expressed support for efforts to reduce tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, voicing readiness to help advance this process. They urged both the Taliban administration and Pakistani officials to resolve existing disputes through diplomatic dialogue—a move that has drawn criticism from observers amid ongoing closure of negotiation channels.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry added that participants agreed to hold the fifth meeting of foreign ministers from Afghanistan’s neighboring countries in the near future in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
The regional summit on Afghanistan was held yesterday in Tehran with participation from the mentioned countries. Although the Taliban administration was invited, it declined to attend—a decision that has raised questions about the group’s willingness to engage in constructive regional cooperation.
