WANA (Sep 18) – Amir Saeed Iravani, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, said at a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan that the country must be supported in adopting comprehensive measures to eradicate terrorism, dismantle all terrorist groups, and prevent the use of its territory against neighbors, the region, and beyond.

 

The full text of Iravani’s remarks is as follows:

 

“Mr. President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its deep sympathy and solidarity with the people and authorities of Afghanistan following the recent devastating earthquake, which unfortunately claimed the lives of many citizens.

 

In this regard, Iran immediately dispatched humanitarian aid to support the victims and stands ready to continue its assistance to help Afghanistan overcome the consequences of this tragedy.

 

We take note of the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2025/554), which provides an update on the situation in Afghanistan, including the UN’s political and humanitarian activities.

 

In light of the report, I would like to emphasize the following points:

 

First, as Afghanistan’s immediate neighbor with over 900 kilometers of shared border and host to millions of Afghan refugees for decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers peace, stability, and development in Afghanistan directly tied to its own national security and to broader regional stability.

 

Accordingly, Iran continues active engagement with the de facto authorities of Afghanistan through bilateral and regional initiatives. We have also participated constructively in the Doha process under UN auspices and played an active role in its working groups.

 

Second, the future of Afghanistan must be determined and owned by Afghans themselves. A sustainable solution can only emerge through an inclusive political process that reflects the country’s ethnic and political diversity, respects its sovereignty, and guarantees the rights of all Afghans, particularly women and girls. Any externally imposed solution is neither viable nor acceptable.

 

Third, the de facto authorities are a reality on the ground, and the international community has no choice but to engage with them. Constructive and practical engagement is essential to address the ongoing humanitarian and economic crises that continue to threaten regional stability. In this regard, we emphasize that humanitarian aid must never be politicized.

 

Sanctions must not be used as a political lever to block economic stabilization or engagement with the de facto authorities. Afghanistan’s frozen assets abroad must be released unconditionally for the benefit of its people. Moreover, the travel-ban exemption mechanism for designated Taliban members must not be subjected to selective or politicized use by Council members. Full restoration of this mechanism is essential as it is a vital tool for fostering dialogue and advancing a comprehensive and constructive approach to Afghanistan.

 

Fourth, for decades, Iran has shouldered a disproportionate burden by hosting millions of Afghan refugees and migrants, often without sufficient international support. This humanitarian responsibility has imposed significant costs on our society, severely strained resources and infrastructure, and created complex cross-border and security challenges.

 

Following the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran, these pressures have further intensified. Iran cannot continue to bear this burden alone and has therefore had no choice but to return undocumented Afghan nationals to their country. It should be noted that throughout this repatriation process, Iran has actively engaged with the de facto authorities to ensure safe and dignified return conditions.

 

Mr. President,

Iran strongly supports the establishment of an independent, united, and peaceful Afghanistan, free from terrorism, conflict, and narcotics. We reaffirm our firm commitment to a stable and self-reliant Afghanistan and will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to achieve this goal. Afghanistan must be supported in adopting comprehensive measures to eradicate terrorism, dismantle all terrorist groups without exception, and prevent the use of its territory against neighbors, the region, and beyond.

 

Finally, Mr. President,

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) plays a vital role in addressing the country’s challenges, and we reiterate our support for its mandate and effective implementation.”