Iran Calls for De-escalation Between Kabul and Islamabad Amid Rising Tensions
Following heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan after recent Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, has urged restraint and the continuation of diplomatic talks between the two sides. He warned that ongoing clashes could further destabilize the region.
Amiri Moghadam, speaking at a session of the Islamabad Strategic Studies Institute, said that escalating tensions benefit neither party and create opportunities for “enemies of regional stability” to exploit the situation. He added that diplomatic engagement and cooperation, especially along the border areas, are the only ways to prevent the current crisis from spreading.
The Iranian ambassador also emphasized that despite some differences and challenges with Afghanistan, Tehran has attempted to engage in practice with the Taliban administration similarly to the previous government era, although it has not officially recognized the administration. This stance reflects Iran’s cautious approach toward Afghanistan’s current political situation.
Earlier, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Tehran’s readiness to assist in reducing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad and stressed support for diplomatic solutions.
These statements come amid recent Pakistani airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Local sources have reported civilian casualties caused by these attacks, raising concerns about the protection of civilians and the humanitarian consequences of cross-border conflicts.
