TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed Tehran’s readiness to play a constructive role in reducing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, stressing dialogue and regional cooperation as the only viable path toward stability, Tasnim News Agency reported.
According to the report, Araghchi said Iran is prepared to assist both neighbouring countries in resolving their differences and urged continued diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. He underscored that stability between Pakistan and Afghanistan is crucial for broader regional peace and security.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated into sustained cross-border hostilities following a series of militant attacks and retaliatory strikes, prompting a sharp deterioration in relations between the two neighbours. The situation intensified after exchanges of fire along the border and airstrikes targeting militant positions inside Afghanistan.
In response, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, a military campaign targeting terrorist networks along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, particularly groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Security sources describe it as a “precise and targeted” operation aimed at dismantling militant leadership, infrastructure, and logistics hubs, and maintaining that it will continue until its objectives are fully achieved despite diplomatic engagement.
Meanwhile, China also facilitated exploratory trilateral talks in Urumqi involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Chinese officials, aimed at reducing escalating tensions.
The engagement was described as preliminary and part of an existing trilateral mechanism rather than formal mediation, with both sides represented by foreign office, defence, and security officials. Pakistan used the discussions to press for verifiable action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil, insisting that verbal assurances alone would not be sufficient.
At the same time, China has continued to stress for high-level negotiations, with Islamabad reiterating its demand for “concrete, verifiable action” against cross-border terrorism. The talks are focused on addressing Pakistan’s core security concerns while managing ongoing hostilities and preventing further escalation, even as counterterrorism operations continue on the ground.
China has since stated that both sides have agreed to explore a “comprehensive solution” to the conflict and avoid steps that could further escalate tensions. The emerging framework reportedly includes border de-escalation, cooperation against militant groups such as the TTP, phased restoration of trade routes, refugee management, and improved communication mechanisms, with Beijing positioning itself as a facilitator to stabilise relations between the two neighbours.
