Iran stresses on reducing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad; Tehran’s readiness to help reduce differences

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Kabul: Following the increase in tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over Pakistan’s military invasion of Afghan territory, Mohammad Reza Bahrami, Director General for South Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, spoke by phone with Sadiq Khan, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan affairs, today, Sunday, October 12.

 

According to IRNA, this call was made in line with Tehran’s efforts to reduce regional crises, and during which the two sides evaluated recent developments and emphasized the importance of establishing stability, reducing tensions, and strengthening regional integration. In this conversation, Bahrami officially expressed the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to provide any assistance to reduce the differences between Kabul and Islamabad.

 

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi announced on Saturday evening that Iran has strong relations with both countries and wants to reduce tensions.

 

Referring to the explanations of the Pakistani Foreign Minister regarding the existing differences and problems, he announced Iran's official position based on the need for restraint on both sides. The Iranian official emphasized that stability in relations between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan is a vital factor for the stability of the entire region. According to him, for this purpose, it has been decided that the special representatives of Iran and Pakistan on Afghan affairs will consult with each other to exchange views and pursue solutions. Araqchi also added that "similar consultations will also be held with Afghan friends to resolve the existing problem through diplomatic means."

 

The increase in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan occurred following a Pakistani airstrike on Kabul. The country's authorities called the move a "blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law" and strongly condemned it. In contrast, Pakistani officials, claiming that Afghanistan was harboring the TTP, and while they refused to directly confirm or deny the attack, emphasized their "right to defend their national security."