Afghan, Iranian foreign ministers hold phone call to discuss refugees, Gaza crisis, and bilateral relations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has announced that Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a telephone conversation with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Iran.

The call focused on key bilateral issues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the ongoing deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran.

During the discussion, Muttaqi described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “critical” and urged influential Islamic countries to fulfill their responsibilities toward the oppressed people of Gaza. He emphasized the need to end the widespread hunger and acts of genocide being inflicted upon the people by the Israeli regime.

Muttaqi also expressed deep concern over the continued deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran. He called for a gradual and dignified approach to repatriation, stressing the importance of preserving the refugees’ dignity and rights throughout the process.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi assured his Afghan counterpart that Iran is committed to managing the repatriation of Afghan nationals in a phased and respectful manner, ensuring that their rights are protected.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, Araghchi stated that a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should be convened to discuss practical solutions to end the crisis and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

This conversation comes at a time when relations between Afghanistan and Iran are navigating a sensitive phase, with the refugee issue emerging as one of the central challenges between the two neighboring countries.