Tehran pushes for ‘contact group’ on Afghanistan as tensions rise in the region

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced plans by Tehran to bring together Afghanistan's neighbouring states including Russia and China in a regional meeting aimed at addressing ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

This was disclosed by the Ministry's spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh in an interview with the Russian news agency RIA Novostisaid.

Khatibzadeh confirmed that Tehran has been coordinating the formation of what he described as a “contact group” made up of countries directly affected by developments in Afghanistan.

He said, “We are currently working on establishing a contact group on Afghanistan, which will include all of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries plus a number of other countries, including Russia and China.”

According to Khatibzadeh, Iran views regional cooperation as essential for addressing the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

He highlighted that the discussions will go beyond immediate security concerns, noting, “The agenda also includes very important regional issues, such as how to help Afghanistan and maintain stability using regional mechanisms.”

Khatibzadeh stated that the gathering is expected to take place in mid-December and will focus on regional stability and cooperation frameworks.

He noted, “The agenda also includes very important regional issues, such as how to help Afghanistan and maintain stability using regional mechanisms.”

Khatibzadeh emphasised that Iran views regional coordination as essential amid ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns in Afghanistan.

“The meeting will take place in a month,” he said, adding that diplomatic preparations are already underway.

In the statement, Zia Ahmad Takal, the Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that during the call, Amir Khan Muttaqi highlighted Afghanistan’s focus on safeguarding stability and expanding regional cooperation.

According to Takal, “The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the Islamic Emirate’s position on regional cooperation and the structure of such meetings, and noted that maintaining stability and strengthening regional cooperation are top priorities for Afghanistan.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says that Islamabad cannot engage in any form of political dialogue with Kabul while under persistent security threats.

He noted, “We cannot engage in talks under threat. Negotiations will only happen when the threat is removed.”

While tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain high and a fragile ceasefire continues to hold, many in Kabul view these emerging regional initiatives as a necessary step toward stability. 

After Islamabad carried out airstrikes on Kabul and Paktika on 9 October, Qatar and Turkey went on to facilitate three rounds of talks between Afghan and Pakistani officials in Doha and Istanbul.

Yet, despite the diplomatic push, the third round concluded without any tangible progress. As regional stakeholders now turn toward broader multilateral efforts, Afghans hope that renewed cooperation may offer a path away from escalating tensions and toward lasting stability.

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