The UN Security Council will hold a quarterly meeting on Afghanistan on Monday, with an open briefing before closed consultations.

Panama will deliver a statement prior to the meeting on behalf of countries supporting Women, Peace, and Security.

New Council members—Bahrain, Colombia, DRC, Latvia, and Liberia—will give their first views on Afghanistan since joining.

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) and Officer-in-Charge of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Georgette Gagnon is expected to update the Council on political, humanitarian, and human rights developments, based on the Secretary-General’s latest report covering December 2025–February 2026.

The meeting come as recent clashes along the Durand Line have escalated, with airstrikes and drone attacks causing civilian casualties, displacement, and infrastructure damage. Between 26 February and 5 March, 185 civilian casualties were recorded, including 56 deaths, over half women and children.

The humanitarian situation remains dire, with nearly half of Afghanistan’s 44 million population needing aid.

Council members are expected to reiterate calls to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure, and uphold international humanitarian law.

Discussions will also focus on renewing UNAMA’s mandate before it expires on 17 March, with China leading draft resolution negotiations.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the ongoing conflict with Iran is intended to decisively weaken the enemy, stressing that the United States does not want to repeat the mistakes made during long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Speaking in an interview with CBS News, Hegseth reflected on his generation’s involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, describing them as lengthy conflicts where “a lot of foolish approaches were used.” He suggested that those experiences shaped how the current conflict is being approached.

According to the defense secretary, the present strategy is focused on decisive pressure against the adversary. “This is war, this is conflict,” Hegseth said, adding that the objective is “bringing your enemy to their knees.”

He also noted that whether Iran would formally surrender is uncertain. Hegseth said it would be up to Tehran to decide whether there would be a symbolic surrender ceremony.

“Whether they will have a ceremony in Tehran Square and surrender—that’s up to them,” he said.

His comments come as tensions continue to rise across the region amid escalating military exchanges involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The Bayat Foundation has continued its nationwide Ramadan assistance campaign by distributing food packages to dozens of vulnerable families in Jawzjan province, in northern Afghanistan.

The aid parcels — which include flour, rice, and cooking oil — are intended to help families meet their basic food needs during the holy month of Ramadan, a time when many households face increased expenses while already struggling with limited income.

Foundation officials in Jawzjan said the program is part of the organization’s annual Ramadan initiative and will continue throughout the month, with additional distributions planned in other areas of the province and across the country.

Afghanistan remains in the midst of a prolonged humanitarian crisis marked by widespread poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.

International humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that millions of Afghans require assistance to meet their basic needs, particularly in rural provinces where economic opportunities are limited and many families depend on seasonal labor.

Residents who received the assistance said the support arrived at a critical time. Beneficiaries noted that the food packages help sustain families during Ramadan and ease the financial pressure faced by low-income households.

The Bayat Foundation has long been involved in humanitarian work across Afghanistan, providing assistance to communities affected by poverty, natural disasters, and displacement.

Founded by Afghan businessman and philanthropist Dr Ehsanullah Bayat, the organization has implemented programs in healthcare, education, and emergency relief in various provinces.

Officials say the Ramadan aid campaign is ongoing and aims to reach thousands of families across Afghanistan, providing essential food supplies during one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar.