Amid Heightened Iran-Pakistan Tensions, Afghanistan's Taliban Regime Urges Both Countries To Exercise Restraint

Amid rising tensions between Iran and Pakistan, the Taliban administration in Afghanistan has urged the two countries to exercise restraint.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers the recent violence between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan alarming, and calls on the two neighboring countries to exercise restraint," Taliban spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a post on X on Thursday (18 January).

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"In light of the region's newfound peace and stability after protracted imposed wars and instability, both sides should direct efforts towards further strengthening regional stability and resolving disputes through diplomatic channels and dialogue," he added.

This comes after Pakistan on Thursday (18 January) launched retaliatory air strikes against "terrorist hideouts" in Iran, a day after warning Tehran of "serious consequences" over its attack on the Balochi group Jaish al-Adl's headquarters in its territory.

"A number of terrorists" were killed during the intelligence-based operation codenamed "Marg Bar Sarmachar", Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said.

According to the Iranian media, seven people including four children were killed in the Pakistani attack.

The retaliatory strikes came days after Iran attacked terrorist targets in Pakistan, which Islamabad claimed killed two children.

In a statement, Pakistan called Iran a "brotherly country" and said that the strikes were a "manifestation of Pakistan's unflinching resolve" to protect and defend its national security against all threats.

"The sole objective of today's act was in pursuit of Pakistan's own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised," the Ministry said.

It added that Islamabad "fully respects" the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran.

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