Iran’s Larijani Highlights Urgency for Regional Cooperation Amid Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, expressed deep concern during his visit to Pakistan regarding the escalating tensions with Afghanistan. He announced that Tehran is prepared to take any necessary actions to reduce differences and assist in resolving the crisis.

Tehran’s Deep Concerns Over Regional Security Crisis

Ali Larijani, during his trip to Pakistan, publicly voiced Tehran’s serious concerns regarding the increasing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In discussions with the media, he stated that Iran is ready to take any action necessary to reduce disputes and assist in resolving the crisis between the neighboring countries.

Larijani emphasized that terrorism is a common and transboundary threat, stating that confronting this phenomenon can only be achieved through collective and coordinated efforts. He also conveyed Iran’s official readiness to offer any required assistance to Pakistani officials to help Islamabad navigate through the current crisis.

Proposal for a Regional Conference Following Failed Previous Negotiations

These remarks follow Iran’s earlier proposal to mediate directly between Kabul and Islamabad and to organize a regional conference aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring the implementation of commitments by both parties.

Current tensions between the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated approximately two months ago following a Pakistani airstrike on areas in Kabul and Paktika, provoking a strong response from Taliban officials and leading to a critical and dangerous phase in the relations between the two countries.

It is noteworthy that prior discussions mediated by Qatar and Turkey aimed at reducing differences have been unsuccessful. A core unresolved issue remains the control of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which continues to serve as a threatening factor in bilateral relations.

Given the failure of previous dialogues and the rise in border conflicts, Iran’s new initiative for a regional conference could offer a vital opportunity to bring both parties back to the negotiation table and alleviate the current tensions.