Iran voices concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan

TEHRAN: Iran has expressed concern over escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, warning that the dispute could have consequences beyond the two neighboring countries. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran was closely monitoring the situation and was ready to assist in reducing tensions through dialogue and diplomacy. He expressed hope that goodwill-based talks between the Taliban authorities and Pakistan would help resolve the crisis. Tensions have intensified in recent days after Pakistani officials accused the Taliban of allowing armed groups to use Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan. In response, Pakistani forces carried out several airstrikes in parts of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. The Taliban have described the strikes as “aggression against civilians” and warned that they would respond at an appropriate time. Pakistan’s Defense Ministry said the operations targeted hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), claiming that nearly 70 militants were killed. The Taliban, however, said more than 20 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the strikes.