WANA (Mar 11) – Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations emphasized that despite Afghanistan’s ongoing challenges, a stable future is achievable through sustained international support and shared responsibility. He reaffirmed that Iran’s policy toward Afghan refugees and migrants remains unchanged and is rooted in humanitarian principles.

 

Iran’s Commitment to Afghan Refugees

Speaking at the UN Security Council session on Afghanistan, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani reiterated that Iran has consistently upheld its humanitarian approach toward Afghan refugees.

 

“For over four decades, Iran has hosted millions of Afghan nationals, bearing a heavy burden, which intensified following the hasty U.S. withdrawal in 2021,” he stated.

 

He clarified that legally residing Afghans in Iran face no restrictions, with Iranian consulates issuing 5,000 visas daily. However, those who entered Iran illegally have been repatriated due to security concerns, including potential terrorist threats. Iran insists that neighboring countries should not bear the refugee burden alone and urges the international community to provide meaningful support.

 

Afghanistan’s Humanitarian and Economic Crisis

Ambassador Iravani stressed that Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 22.9 million people in urgent need of aid.

 

He called for $2.42 billion in funding for the 2025 humanitarian response plan and urged donors to fulfill their commitments. He also emphasized that humanitarian assistance must remain impartial and unconditional to ensure aid reaches those in need without obstruction.

 

He further criticized policies such as withholding Afghanistan’s frozen assets and cutting humanitarian aid, calling them “unrealistic measures” that only exacerbate tensions and worsen suffering. He demanded the unconditional release of Afghan funds to stabilize the country’s economy and called for an end to sanctions that hinder economic recovery.

 

Security Concerns and the Threat of Terrorism

Iravani highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, particularly the threat posed by ISIS-Khorasan and other terrorist groups, which endanger not only Afghanistan but also regional and global security.

 

He urged the de facto authorities to honor their international obligations by prioritizing counterterrorism efforts and taking decisive actions to dismantle terrorist networks. “The international community must not allow Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorism,” he warned.

 

Women’s Rights Violations in Afghanistan

The Iranian envoy condemned policies restricting Afghan women and girls, including bans on their participation in medical institutions, calling them unjustifiable under Islamic law and Afghan cultural traditions. He urged the de facto authorities to reverse these restrictions and take immediate steps to restore women’s rights.

 

Iran’s Diplomatic Engagement with Afghanistan

Iravani reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to Afghanistan’s peace, stability, and reconstruction, emphasizing that an inclusive government is essential to addressing the country’s challenges, preventing further conflict, and controlling refugee outflows.

 

He noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi’s visit to Kabul on January 26, 2025, marked the highest-level engagement since the Taliban took power. Discussions covered key issues, including trade, railway development, investment, border security, and regional cooperation.

 

International Cooperation and the Role of UNAMA

Iran remains actively engaged in the Doha process, supporting initiatives such as counter-narcotics efforts and private-sector development. However, Iravani stressed that the primary focus must be on delivering tangible benefits for the Afghan people.

 

He concluded by reaffirming Iran’s support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and called on the UN Security Council to ensure it receives the necessary resources to fulfill its mandate effectively. “As UNAMA’s renewal approaches, we stress the importance of its continued presence in Afghanistan and its critical role in addressing the country’s challenges,” he stated.

 

Iran continues to advocate for a step-by-step approach guided by a clear roadmap to rebuild trust and ensure long-term security and stability in Afghanistan.