Eid al-Fitr prayers were held on Thursday at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar, led by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with a large number of residents attending the ceremony.

During his sermon, Akhundzada said that if the people of Afghanistan were meant to be destroyed by bombardments and military attacks, it would have happened during the wars with the Soviet Union and the United States.

According to the Islamic Emirate leader, the key to Afghanistan’s victory and resilience lies in reliance on Islam, preservation of religious beliefs, and unity among the people. He stressed that by adhering to Islamic values, no country would be able to harm Afghanistan.

Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.

At the same time, he urged government officials to ensure justice in their duties, warning that no system can survive through oppression. He added that the implementation of decrees and laws is necessary to reform society and maintain order in the country.

The Islamic Emirate leader further said that without Islam, Afghanistan could have remained under the control of the United States and NATO, but now, according to him, the country stands as an independent and free nation.

In the economic section of his remarks, Akhundzada called on traders to avoid hoarding goods and instead assist fellow Muslims in difficult times. He warned that individuals found hoarding commodities for up to 40 days would face legal consequences.

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told lawmakers that Pakistan ranks among the most significant nuclear threats to the United States, placing it alongside Russia, China and North Korea.

Speaking before a Senate panel, Gabbard said the U.S. intelligence community is increasingly concerned about the growing missile capabilities of several countries, including Pakistan and Iran.

“The intelligence community assesses that Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and Pakistan have been developing a range of advanced and traditional missile systems capable of carrying nuclear or conventional payloads that could reach the U.S. homeland,” she said.

Gabbard warned that the number of missiles capable of striking the United States is expected to rise sharply in the coming years, projecting an increase from roughly 3,000 today to more than 16,000 by 2035.

In her testimony, she also highlighted deepening ties between North Korea, Russia and China, suggesting growing strategic coordination among U.S. adversaries that could further complicate global security dynamics.

Addressing the ongoing conflict with Iran, Gabbard said U.S. military operations have significantly weakened Tehran’s capabilities. While the Iranian government remains in place, she described its military infrastructure as “largely degraded,” noting that it could take years for Iran to rebuild its missile and drone programs if the current leadership endures.

She added that Iran’s nuclear enrichment program had been “obliterated” by U.S. strikes in 2025, though she cautioned that Tehran may gradually attempt to restore its military strength over time.

Beyond state actors, Gabbard identified extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS as the most significant threats to U.S. interests overseas, particularly in parts of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.

The assessment comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and follows the recent resignation of a senior U.S. security official linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. The White House reaffirmed its support for Gabbard, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that President Donald Trump retains “full confidence” in the intelligence chief.

Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, emphasized Thursday that Afghanistan will steadfastly defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

His remarks came during the Eid al-Fitr prayers held at the Presidential Palace.

The ceremony was attended by Amir Khan Muttaqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, senior officials of the Islamic Emirate, ambassadors and diplomats of countries based in Kabul, religious scholars, and mujahideen.

Addressing the gathering, Kabir congratulated citizens on Eid and noted that this year’s celebrations come amid regional and global turbulence, which continues to pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.

He underscored that strengthening the Islamic system, implementing Sharia law, promoting justice, and fostering national unity remain top priorities of the Islamic Emirate.

The minister also highlighted key government development plans, including implementing major regional projects, expanding trade, activating transit corridors, ensuring transparent management of natural resources, promoting agriculture, and developing infrastructure.

Kabir said Afghanistan has the potential to serve as a key economic bridge between South and Central Asia. He emphasized that the country’s policy is economic, balanced, and guided by principles of good neighborliness, seeking relations with all countries based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The minister strongly condemned recent attacks by Pakistani regime, describing them as violations of international and Islamic principles. He stressed that war serves no one’s interest and called on Pakistan’s scholars and citizens to prevent the relationship between the two Muslim nations from being sacrificed over the agendas of foreign powers.

He also expressed gratitude to countries that have worked to facilitate diplomatic dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan, noting that Kabul keeps its doors open for negotiations but is fully prepared to respond to any aggression, with Afghan forces ready to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kabir further stated that Afghanistan is currently absorbing millions of returnees from Iran, Pakistan, and other countries. Commenting on regional developments, he condemned violence in the Persian Gulf and attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, urging Islamic countries not to remain indifferent to such events.