KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is working to convene a regional meeting to help mediate rising tensions between Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers and Pakistan.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Araghchi said Iran has been actively engaged in efforts to promote stability and reconciliation between the two neighboring countries. “In recent days, we have held a series of telephone consultations with officials in Islamabad and Kabul and hope to achieve tangible results,” he said. “God willing, a regional meeting will be held to address these issues.”
He did not provide exact dates or further details of the planned gathering, but confirmed that the matter was discussed this week with the foreign ministers of Russia, Qatar, and Türkiye.
Relations between the Taliban and Pakistan have sharply deteriorated in recent weeks amid disputes over Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), days of cross-border clashes, and Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan territory.
Pakistan accuses the Taliban of providing shelter to the TTP members, which has intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces and government installations in recent years. The Taliban deny supporting the group and maintain that the matter is an internal issue for Pakistan.
Qatar and Türkiye have previously mediated three rounds of talks between the Taliban and Pakistan, but the negotiations ended without agreement.
Russia has also called for de-escalation, urging both sides to resolve their differences through diplomatic and peaceful means. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, said Moscow is ready to participate in or mediate efforts to reduce tensions and promote long-term regional stability.
