Muttaqi, Araghchi emphasize need for de-escalation and diplomacy in phone talks

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry says Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss escalating regional tensions and recent military developments.

In a statement, the ministry said Muttaqi voiced deep concern over the latest hostilities, including reported strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. He condemned the attacks and expressed condolences and sympathy to the Iranian government and people over what was described as the targeting of Iran’s leadership.

Araghchi, according to the statement, thanked Afghanistan for its message of solidarity and outlined Tehran’s perspective on the unfolding conflict, as well as Iran’s response to the attacks.

He reportedly briefed his Afghan counterpart on Iran’s assessment of the situation and the measures it considers necessary in what it describes as self-defense.

The call comes at a time of heightened instability across the Middle East, with fears that the confrontation could expand beyond its initial flashpoints and draw in additional regional actors.

For Afghanistan — which shares a long border with Iran and maintains close trade, transit, and refugee ties — any further escalation carries significant economic and humanitarian implications.

Muttaqi reiterated that the Islamic Emirate rejects violations of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national airspace, calling such actions contrary to established international norms.

He stressed the importance of preventing further escalation and urged all parties to return to diplomatic engagement to resolve disputes peacefully.

Afghanistan has repeatedly called for neutrality and dialogue in regional conflicts, mindful of its own fragile economic recovery and dependence on stable cross-border trade routes.

Observers note that Kabul is seeking to balance political solidarity with Iran while also avoiding entanglement in a widening regional confrontation.

Both sides, according to the Afghan statement, underscored the need for restraint and diplomacy to prevent broader instability that could further disrupt an already volatile region.