The United Nations Security Council has approved a three-month extension of the mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), shortening the mission’s usual renewal period following a call by the United States for a review of international engagement in the country.

The council voted on Monday to continue the mission’s mandate temporarily, allowing time for further discussions among members on the future role of the UN in Afghanistan.

UNAMA was established in 2002 after US-led forces removed the Islamic Emirate from power. Its mandate has typically been renewed annually, although a six-month extension was granted in 2021 following the Islamic Emirate’s return to power to assess possible adjustments to the mission.

China, which is responsible for drafting UN resolutions on Afghanistan, said the shorter extension was agreed to accommodate requests from some council members to review and potentially adjust UNAMA’s mandate before a longer renewal is considered.

The United States had called for the review last week.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz noted that UNAMA has the largest budget of any UN special political mission and said the Security Council must carefully assess the funds allocated to it.

Waltz also criticized the IEA for obstructing the mission’s work, detaining American citizens, and maintaining strict restrictions on women’s rights.

According to diplomatic sources, China initially proposed a one-year extension supported by most council members, but Washington insisted on a three-month “technical rollover” to allow time for further evaluation.

Meanwhile, the UN has warned that Afghanistan continues to face one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

Acting UNAMA head Georgette Gagnon recently told the council that humanitarian needs remain urgent and have worsened due to declining international funding.

Humanitarian agencies aim to assist about 17.5 million Afghans in 2026 through a $1.71 billion aid appeal, but the plan is currently only around 10 percent funded.

The UN World Food Programme estimates that more than 17 million people in Afghanistan — roughly one-third of the population — are experiencing acute food shortages, including 4.7 million facing emergency levels of hunger.

The United States, which has reduced global aid spending during President Donald Trump’s second term, has maintained sanctions on the IEA and continues to block the release of approximately $4 billion in Afghan central bank assets held in a Swiss-based trust fund.

Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) distributed iftar meals to hundreds of people in Herat province, including those in need, persons with disabilities, and service staff from several government departments.

The initiative was organized to support needy and vulnerable families during the holy month of Ramadan.

Company officials said around 500 food packages were prepared for fasting individuals, benefiting people introduced by the Herat Municipality and the Department of Martyrs and Disabled.

Wahid Ahmad Nouri, Afghan Wireless representative in Herat, said: “We prepared 500 food packages for 500 people. These individuals were introduced by the sanitation department of the municipality and the Department of Martyrs and Disabled.”

Some participants, particularly persons with disabilities, called on charitable organizations and private companies to expand their support for vulnerable groups during Ramadan.

They noted that many people with disabilities are unable to work and therefore rely heavily on assistance from charities and benefactors.

Mohammad Naser Walizadeh, a resident of Herat, said: “We ask all companies to support the disabled community—one of the most vulnerable groups in society—within their means, just as AWCC has done.”

Meanwhile, disability rights advocates say economic hardships affect persons with disabilities more severely under the current conditions and stress the need for broader support.

Sultan Ahmad Saber, a disability rights advocate in Herat, said: “Credible international organizations have warned of potential food shortages affecting millions of people, and naturally these economic difficulties are even greater for persons with disabilities.”

AWCC organizes iftar programs with different segments of society each year in addition to distributing food packages to needy families. This year, hundreds of people attended the company’s iftar event in Herat.

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to Afghans and Muslims worldwide, calling for unity, charity, and continued support for the country’s Islamic system.

In a message released to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Akhundzada congratulated the “Mujahid and devout people of Afghanistan” and prayed that God would accept the fasting, prayers and other acts of worship performed during the month.

He urged Muslims to use the occasion of Eid to strengthen compassion and social solidarity, stressing the importance of Zakat-ul-Fitr and encouraging wealthy individuals to assist widows, orphans and poor families so they can also celebrate the holiday.

“On this blessed day Muslims should remove hatred and resentment from their hearts, forgive one another and exchange Eid greetings,” the statement said.

Emphasis on unity and security

Akhundzada said Afghanistan currently enjoys improved security compared with past decades of conflict and credited the sacrifices of IEA fighters for what he described as stability under the Islamic Emirate.

He called on Afghans to support the country’s security forces and maintain unity, warning against ethnic, linguistic or regional divisions.

“The honor and dignity of Muslims depend on unity and brotherhood,” he said, adding that Afghans should remain vigilant against what he described as “plots of enemies.”

Support for Islamic governance

In his message, the IEA leader urged officials and citizens to cooperate with government institutions, including the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which he said is working to prevent corruption and strengthen Islamic values in society.

He also called on religious scholars to play a greater role in guiding young people and promoting religious education across the country, including through mosques and community gatherings.

Akhundzada encouraged authorities to pursue development alongside religious governance, noting that construction, land cultivation and public services are responsibilities of the Islamic system.

International relations

The supreme leader said Afghanistan seeks positive relations with the Islamic world and constructive engagement with other countries based on Islamic principles, while urging foreign governments to respect Afghan beliefs and refrain from interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

He also expressed solidarity with Muslims facing hardship around the world and condemned violations of their rights.

The message concluded with Eid greetings to Muslims globally and prayers for unity, peace and prosperity for the Muslim community.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is one of the most important religious holidays for Muslims worldwide.