Iran offers to mediate Pak-Afghan border tensions
Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Ismail Baghaei. Photo: X
Iran has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, offering to mediate between the two neighbours to help restore peace and stability in the region.
In a statement on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baqaei voiced concern over the recent developments between Islamabad and Kabul, underscoring the importance of mutual respect for each country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
Baqaei called for “restraint and the immediate commencement of dialogue” between the two sides to de-escalate tensions and resolve their differences through diplomatic means.
Iran urges dialogue, restraint to prevent escalation of tensions between #Pakistan, #Afghanistan
Esmail Baqaei, @IRIMFA_SPOX , expressed concern over the recent developments between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He underscored the necessity of mutual respect for the territorial… pic.twitter.com/ev1wAmS8OtThe spokesperson said that the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches “fundamental importance to the preservation of peace and stability in its surrounding environment” and reaffirmed Tehran’s willingness to assist efforts aimed at reducing hostilities between the two neighboring Muslim nations.
“Iran seeks peace and stability in the region and urges both Pakistan and Afghanistan to de-escalate tensions through immediate negotiations,” Baghaei said, emphasising the need to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations.
Cross-border clashes
Tensions flared again late Saturday night when Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire across multiple points along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, prompting a strong and immediate retaliation from the Pakistan Army.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani security forces killed more than 200 Afghan Taliban fighters during the overnight clashes, while 23 soldiers embraced martyrdom and 29 others were injured in the exchange of fire.
Read More: Over 200 Afghan troops killed, 23 soldiers martyred in retaliatory strikes against Afghanistan: ISPR
The confrontation took place on the night of October 11–12, when Afghan Taliban forces, reportedly supported by “Indian-sponsored elements of Fitna al-Khawarij,” launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani border positions.
“The cowardly action, which included firing and a few physical raids, was aimed at destabilising the border areas to facilitate terrorism, furthering FAK’s nefarious designs,” the ISPR said. The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used by the Pakistani state to describe militants affiliated with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Also Read: Pakistan seals border with Afghanistan after cross-border fire
The ISPR statement added that according to credible intelligence and post-action assessments, over 200 Taliban and affiliated militants were neutralised, with “the number of injured much higher.”
Earlier, Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of conducting air strikes inside its territory and warned of “consequences.” Islamabad, while stopping short of confirming or denying the strikes, said its patience with Kabul was running out, citing repeated provocations and failure to curb cross-border terrorism.