Iran’s envoy calls for restraint and dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad

Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, has urged restraint and continued dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad amid heightened tensions following recent Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan.

Speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, Amiri Moghadam cautioned that further escalation would serve no side and risk destabilizing the broader region.

He said actors opposed to regional stability could exploit the situation and emphasized that sustained diplomatic engagement — particularly on border security and cooperation — is essential to prevent further deterioration.

The envoy added that despite ongoing differences and challenges in relations with Afghanistan, Tehran has pursued practical engagement, similar to its approach under the previous Afghan government, though Iran has not formally recognized the current administration.

Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry signaled its readiness to help ease tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, reaffirming support for diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes.

The comments follow Pakistani airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, which local sources say caused civilian casualties.