Iran Offers to Help Ease Tensions Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Date: 12 October 2025 - 21:50

News ID: ۱۴۴۵۵۸

TEHRAN – A senior Iranian diplomat held talks with Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan on Sunday, as Tehran expressed readiness to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul following a spike in tensions between the two neighbors.

Muhammadreza Bahrami, Director General for South Asia at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, discussed recent regional developments in a phone call with Sadiq Khan, Pakistan’s envoy for Afghanistan.

The two sides “assessed the recent tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan” and emphasized “the importance of de-escalation, stability, and regional cooperation,” IRNA reported.

Bahrami conveyed Iran’s willingness to help ease tensions between the two countries, which have seen their strained ties further deteriorate following a recent airstrike allegedly killing the leader of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Kabul.

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led caretaker government condemned the strike as a “clear violation of national sovereignty and international law.” Islamabad has not confirmed or denied responsibility but reiterated its right to defend national security.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on state television Saturday night, said Tehran maintains longstanding relations with both countries and has not officially recognized the new Afghan government, though it continues to engage with it.

“We have good relations with both sides,” Araghchi said. “Our position is that both parties must exercise restraint. Stability in Iran-Pakistan-Afghanistan relations contributes to wider regional stability.”

Araghchi said he had spoken with his Pakistani counterpart earlier in the day, and both agreed to allow their special envoys on Afghan affairs to coordinate closely. He added that similar consultations would be held with Afghan officials.

The latest developments mark one of the most serious flare-ups in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in recent years, drawing sharp responses from political and security leaders across Kabul.