Iran Calls for Immediate Dialogue and Halt to Pakistan–Afghanistan Border Clashes
WANA (Feb 27) – Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep concern over the escalating border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling for the immediate launch of dialogue to end the fighting and reduce tensions between the two countries.
In a statement released Friday night, Tehran warned of the security and humanitarian consequences of the recent developments, stressing that continued confrontation between the two Muslim neighbors has already resulted in human casualties and material damage, and could further destabilize the wider region. The ministry noted that escalating tensions at this sensitive juncture may have repercussions extending beyond the borders of the two countries.
Iran urged both sides to exercise restraint, respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and avoid actions that could intensify military tensions. The statement also reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to offer any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and help achieve a comprehensive cessation of hostilities.
The latest round of clashes began Thursday night, marking the second outbreak of intense and unprecedented violence along the shared border since October. The escalation followed a Pakistani air operation targeting locations inside Afghanistan. Islamabad said the strikes hit camps belonging to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claiming that around 80 militants were killed.
Authorities in Kabul, however, condemned the cross-border strikes and said that dozens of civilians were among the casualties. Reports indicate that exchanges of fire involving light and heavy weapons have continued in border areas, with some Taliban positions reportedly targeted by drones.
In a parallel development, the Pakistani government announced it had thwarted several drone attacks allegedly carried out by the TTP in the country’s northwest. The intensifying cycle of retaliatory strikes has heightened concerns over further escalation and instability in one of South Asia’s most sensitive border regions.
Taliban Denies Reports of Leader Targeted in Pakistani Strikes
WANA (Feb 27) – The Taliban has rejected claims that its supreme leader was targeted or killed in recent Pakistani airstrikes, describing the reports as “completely false” and part of a media campaign aimed at disinformation. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesperson, said in remarks delivered in Kandahar that rumors about an attack on […]
