Iran on Sunday called for restraint and respect for sovereignty after deadly overnight clashes between Taliban and Pakistani guards along the border.
In a statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized the importance of “mutual respect for the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of both countries.”
“We urge both sides to exercise restraint and immediately begin dialogue to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy,” Baghaei said.
He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran places “high importance on preserving peace and stability in the region” and stands ready to assist in easing tensions between its two neighboring Muslim countries.
The statement followed a sharp escalation overnight along the border. The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense said its forces launched a “successful retaliatory operation” late Saturday targeting Pakistani border posts in response to earlier airstrikes. The Taliban said the operation ended around midnight.
Pakistan’s military responded early Sunday, saying its forces struck 20 Taliban checkpoints along the border. It also claimed that several Taliban fighters surrendered in the Kurram region.
In a separate statement, the Taliban’s 201st Khalid bin Walid Corps said 15 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 11 Pakistani border posts destroyed. It also claimed Taliban forces had recovered the bodies of two Pakistani troops and seized weapons.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said a “significant” press conference would be held later Sunday to address the situation.
The border violence follows airstrikes by Pakistani fighter jets Thursday night targeting areas in Kabul and Paktia province. Pakistani media said the raids aimed at Noor Wali Mehsud, leader of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but neither side has confirmed the intended target or results of the strikes.
