Iran, Qatar voice worries over escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions

Iran and Qatar on Thursday expressed serious concern over the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging regional countries to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability.

The statement came during a phone call between Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani.

“The foreign ministers of Iran and Qatar, while expressing concern over tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, stressed the importance of continued regional efforts to preserve peace and stability in the area,” said a statement issued by Iran’s foreign ministry.

Bilateral relations between Islamabad and the Taliban-led administration in Kabul have deteriorated following two major terrorist attacks in Pakistan in recent days—one at Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan and another in Islamabad.

Tuesday’s suicide bombing targeted the Islamabad District Judicial Complex, killing 12 people and injuring at least 36 others, including lawyers and petitioners present at the court building.

The attack coincided with Pakistani forces clearing Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan, eliminating all Fitna al-Khawarij militants—a term used for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan—who had infiltrated the educational institution.

The statement added that Araghchi and Thani also discussed bilateral ties and regional developments, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

Additionally, the two leaders exchanged views on the situation in Gaza and the recent US draft resolution submitted to the UN Security Council, highlighting the need for continued consultations to safeguard the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination.

Russia, Iran push for continued Pak-Afghan talks

On November 12, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on the latest bilateral and regional developments.

They welcomed the agreement reached between the Taliban administration in Kabul and Islamabad — mediated by Qatar and Turkiye — on a mutual ceasefire and an end to cross-border firing along the Pak-Afghan borders.

Lavrov and Araghchi called for continued dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve differences through political and diplomatic means, in the interests of ensuring regional stability and security.

They also discussed developments in the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian–Israeli issue and its consideration at the UN Security Council.

The two ministers reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the unconditional implementation of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran, which entered into force on 2 October.