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US Rejects ICC ‘War Crimes’ Probe of Troops in Afghanistan
An International Criminal Court investigation of possible war crimes by U.S. forces in Afghanistan is not “warranted or appropriate,” the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday after prosecutors in The Hague found initial grounds for such a probe. Reuters reported.
According to Reuters, State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the United States was not a party to the Rome Statute that created the International Criminal Court in The Hague and had not consented to ICC jurisdiction. She also said Washington had a robust justice system able to deal with such complaints.
“The United States is deeply committed to complying with the law of war,” Trudeau told reporters at a news briefing. “We do not believe that an ICC examination or investigation with respect to actions of U.S. personnel in relation to the situation in Afghanistan is warranted or appropriate.”
Her comments came a day after prosecutors at the International Criminal Court said in a report that there was a “reasonable basis to believe” that U.S. forces had tortured at least 61 prisoners in Afghanistan and another 27 at CIA detention facilities elsewhere in 2003 and 2004.
The United States occupied Afghanistan in 2001 as it went after al Qaeda leaders behind the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington. Crimes also may have been committed at U.S. Central Intelligence Agency facilities in Poland, Lithuania and Romania, where some people captured in Afghanistan were taken, prosecutors said.
The U.S. Justice Department between 2009 and 2012 investigated CIA mistreatment of detainees, including a full criminal investigation into two deaths in U.S. custody, but ultimately decided against prosecuting anyone.
Some U.S. military personnel have been prosecuted for murder and other crimes in Afghanistan.
However, the Afghan parliament gives ICC the permission to review all domestic and foreign cases in the territory of the country.
“All of the nation have witnessed the security forces and NATO’s bombings and arbitrary killings,” said Abdul Qader Zazay, representative of Kabul.
“Americans’ records in Afghanistan and Iraq indicate that there is the possibility that these cases are true,” said Jafar Mahdawi, representative of Kabul in parliament.
The ICC was established in 1998 to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Trudeau noted the United States has “engaged with the ICC and we’ve supported ICC investigations and prosecution of cases that we believe advance our values in accordance with U.S. law.”
Reuters
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IEA confirms sending delegation to China for talks with Pakistan
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Thursday that at China’s initiative, a mid-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has arrived in the country to hold official talks with the Pakistani side in line with its principled position.
Qahar said in a statement that these talks are set to begin in the city of Urumqi with the mediation of the Chinese government.
According to Balkhi, this process is being carried forward at China’s request and on the basis of mutual respect and constructive engagement with that country.
He added that the Islamic Emirate is participating in these meetings based on a balanced and principled approach, and intends to hold comprehensive and responsible discussions with the other side on good neighborly relations, strengthening trade ties, and the effective management of security issues.
He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate believes diplomatic engagement based on mutual respect, non-interference, and constructive understanding can find practical and sustainable solutions to the existing issues between the two countries and help provide a foundation for stability and cooperation in the region.
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Afghanistan–Pakistan talks begin in China amid hopes for easing tensions
Talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have officially begun in the Chinese city of Urumqi, sources told Ariana News on Thursday.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy, Din Mohammad Hanif, expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying he hopes the discussions will help bring an end to ongoing tensions and conflict between the two neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andarabi, said the talks involve senior officials and rejected claims that they are merely low-level engagements, calling such reports a “false narrative.”
Islamabad confirmed it has dispatched a delegation to Urumqi, reiterating its longstanding position that Afghanistan must address Pakistan’s security concerns, particularly regarding militant groups.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighbors of China, adding that Beijing supports resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation.
China has also been actively facilitating mediation between Afghanistan and Pakistan and will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and improving relations between the two countries, the spokesperson said.
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Over 1,200 Iranians return home via regional routes amid travel restrictions
More than 1,200 Iranian nationals have returned home since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, with many travelling through neighboring countries including Afghanistan and Armenia, according to reports.
Citing figures from Tasnim News Agency, a total of 1,262 Iranians have been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates since hostilities began. The returns come amid tightening travel restrictions and disrupted regional transport links.
Iranian authorities have formally requested that the UAE facilitate additional evacuation efforts, including the organisation of sea transport and access to a dedicated airstrip to expedite the return of citizens still stranded abroad.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dubai-based airline Emirates indicated on its website that Iranian nationals were no longer permitted to enter or transit through the UAE, further complicating travel options for those seeking to return home.
The developments come as regional airspace disruptions and security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict have significantly curtailed commercial travel routes across parts of the Middle East. With direct flights limited or suspended, many Iranians have been forced to rely on indirect and often complex routes through neighboring countries.
Countries such as Afghanistan and Armenia have emerged as key transit points due to their geographic proximity and continued land access, allowing travelers to bypass restricted air corridors.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing civilians in conflict-affected regions, where shifting aviation policies, border controls, and security risks have made cross-border movement increasingly difficult.
Authorities continue to explore alternative evacuation channels as demand for safe return routes remains high.
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