In a telephone conversation with Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi voiced concern about the recent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the need for restraint, an end to hostilities, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and negotiation.
He warned that continued tensions between the two Muslim countries would not only cause human losses but also endanger the stability of the entire region.
Araqchi also announced Iran’s readiness to help ease tensions and facilitate constructive talks between the two brotherly and Muslim nations.
For his part, Muttaqi provided an update on recent developments and stated that Afghanistan prefers dialogue and peace over military confrontation.
The recent deadly clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan erupted last week after Pakistan struck targets inside Afghanistan, including in the capital Kabul.
Pakistan had been demanding that the Taliban administration act to rein in armed groups who had stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan.
In retaliation for the attacks, Afghan forces attacked Pakistani soldiers, accusing them of violating their territory.
The Taliban have accused the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions, and sheltering ISIL (ISIS)-linked groups to undermine the country’s stability and sovereignty.
The United Nations has called on the warring sides to permanently end hostilities, after a 48-hour ceasefire took effect following days of skirmishes that killed dozens and injured more than 100 others.