Iran offers to mediate as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalate

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said Tehran is deeply concerned about the rising tension between Kabul and Islamabad, warning that any further escalation could have consequences beyond the two neighboring states.

Speaking at a press conference, Baghaei said Iran stands ready to help prevent the situation from deteriorating. “We are concerned about this situation, and we have every right to be concerned, because both countries are our neighbors and Muslim nations. Any escalation between them will have repercussions beyond these two countries,” he said.

He stressed that Iran consistently advocates dialogue, restraint, and diplomatic engagement to resolve disputes. “Our constant advice is dialogue, self-restraint, and efforts to resolve differences through diplomatic means. We have also declared our readiness to use our good offices to help prevent further escalation,” Baghaei added.

The spokesperson expressed hope that “good-faith dialogue” between Kabul and Islamabad would help defuse the crisis.

His remarks come after Pakistan’s military carried out late-night airstrikes around midnight on Saturday, targeting areas in Khogyani, Ghani Khil, and Behsud districts of Nangarhar province, as well as Barmal district in Paktika province.

Local authorities said dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed in the strikes.

In response, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense said it would deliver a “calculated response at an appropriate time.”