KABUL, AFGHANSITAN – The Taliban-led Foreign Ministry has expressed deep concern over escalating regional tensions following large-scale military strikes on Iran, but made no reference to reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said recent political and security developments in the region had “unprecedentedly intensified tensions” and warned that their long-term consequences could affect the entire region.
“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan expresses its deep concern over the attack initiated by Israel and the United States against Iran, which later expanded through Iranian strikes targeting countries in the Gulf,” the statement said.
He added that violations of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the killing of innocent civilians are “condemnable actions under accepted principles,” calling on all parties to immediately halt military operations and resolve disputes through diplomatic channels.
The United States and Israel launched extensive military strikes against Iran on Friday morning (February 27). Iranian state-affiliated media reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials were killed in the attacks. Tehran has since launched missile and drone strikes targeting US bases across the region, including in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq.
Prior to the latest escalation, Taliban chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had commented on the possibility of a US strike against Iran.
In an interview with the Pashto service of Radio Iran, Mujahid said that if the United States attacked Iran, “the people of Afghanistan would be ready, if requested, to sympathize and cooperate with the Iranian nation within their capacity.”
He claimed that Iran had emerged victorious in its 12-day conflict with Israel and would prevail again because it “has the capability, is on the right side, and has the legitimate right to defend itself.”
At the same time, Mujahid expressed hope that a war between Iran and the United States would not begin, stating that the Taliban do not support conflict between the two countries.
Rising Military Tensions After Failed Nuclear Talks
The escalation followed a period in which Washington and Tehran had resumed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. At the time, diplomatic efforts were under way, but concerns about a possible US military strike had remained high.
The United States had reinforced its military presence in the Middle East following unrest inside Iran. The Pentagon had announced the deployment of a second US aircraft carrier to the region amid growing fears of confrontation.
Two US officials had previously told Reuters that the American military was preparing for the possibility of sustained operations lasting several weeks against Iran, should US President Donald Trump order military action.
Speaking earlier at a meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had expressed skepticism about the prospects of successful negotiations, saying that no one had yet managed to secure a durable agreement with Iran, although Washington would continue its efforts.
Those diplomatic efforts have now collapsed following the large-scale military strikes and the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a dramatic shift from negotiations to open conflict.
Taliban–Iran Relations
The Taliban’s latest remarks come amid reports of improving ties between Kabul and Tehran. Iran’s ambassador to Kabul recently said discussions regarding the formal recognition of the Taliban government were under way and suggested that recognition by Tehran may not take long.
Over the past four years, Iran and the Taliban authorities have maintained close political and economic relations.
Despite its public expressions of solidarity with Iran, the Taliban leadership has also stated that it seeks a positive relationship with the United States.
