Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met with Ali-Reza Beikdeli, Iran’s acting ambassador in Kabul, to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

According to a statement from the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muttaqi criticized what he called the “aggression” of the United States and Israel against Iran, warning that the expansion of conflict to other countries affects the entire region.

He also highlighted the growing trade relations between Afghanistan and Iran, describing them as a positive sign of cooperation. In addition, Muttaqi praised the “constructive stance” of Iranian officials regarding recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing that the resolution of legitimate concerns from both sides is only possible through genuine dialogue.

Beikdeli reaffirmed Iran’s position on U.S. and Israeli actions and described bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan—particularly in trade—as positive. He added that Iran’s leadership is closely monitoring the situation between Afghanistan and Pakistan and supports a peaceful resolution.

At least 17 people have lost their lives and 26 others have been injured as floods, landslides, and lightning strikes hit multiple provinces across Afghanistan, authorities said on Sunday.

Yousuf Hammad, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority, said that in the past 24 hours, the provinces of Parwan, Daikundi, Maidan Wardak, Logar, Herat, Farah, Ghor, Badghis, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Jowzjan, Faryab, and Laghman were all affected by natural disasters.

The disasters have also caused significant property damage. Thirty-seven homes were completely destroyed, while 110 others suffered partial damage. Around 80 kilometers of roads and 582 jeribs of agricultural land were damaged or destroyed.

Authorities emphasized that emergency response efforts are ongoing to provide relief and assistance to the affected communities.

A high-level bilateral meeting between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan was held to strengthen trade and economic relations, particularly with the Namangan region of Uzbekistan. The meeting brought together Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and Shukhrat Abdullazov, Governor of Namangan Province, along with their respective delegations.

At the outset of the meeting, Minister Azizi expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s four years of cooperation with the Islamic Emirate and the people of Afghanistan, emphasizing the country’s commitment to brotherhood and bilateral collaboration.

Governor Abdullazov welcomed the initiatives of Minister Azizi, describing the Afghan people as friends and brothers, and provided an overview of the industrial and production capacities of Namangan Province.

During the discussions, both sides explored cooperation in key sectors, including:

• Export and production of medicinal herbs and spices in Afghanistan
• Poultry farming capacity and joint ventures in the sector
• Investment and trade in precious and semi-precious stones, including exports
• Export of agricultural machinery and equipment, drip irrigation systems, and collaboration with Afghan farmers

Minister Azizi reaffirmed Afghanistan’s readiness for joint ventures and trade promotion between the two countries, highlighting investment opportunities in cold storage facilities, agricultural and medicinal product factories, and other sectors.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was decided that a delegation from Afghanistan’s private sector would visit Namangan Province to identify trade opportunities. The Afghan delegation was also invited to attend the annual historic Flower Festival in Namangan, held every May.