In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran expressed deep concern and regret over the intensification of conflict between the two neighboring and Muslim countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the security and humanitarian consequences arising from it.
The ministry called for the immediate initiation of dialogue and engagement between the two countries to stop the conflict and de-escalate tensions.
The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has not only resulted in human casualties and material damage for the two neighboring countries, but will also lead to increased insecurity in the surrounding region as well as humanitarian and security consequences for the entire region, it warned.
While renewing Iran’s call on both sides to respect each other’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty and to refrain from any action that could escalate tensions and conflict, the statement announced Tehran’s readiness to provide any assistance to reduce tensions and facilitate dialogue between the two countries in order to completely halt the conflict and reach mutual understanding.
Pakistan has launched airstrikes on Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, and other cities, as clashes escalate along the two countries’ shared border.
On Friday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad’s patience had run out with the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, declaring that the two countries are now at “open war”.
The declaration came hours after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan was carrying out “large-scale offensive operations” against the Pakistani military along the Durand Line, which separates the two countries.
This follows weeks of fighting along the countries’ shared border, with both sides claiming that dozens of people have been killed.
Hostilities are taking place against a backdrop of an escalation in tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities since the latter’s return to power in 2021.