A regional meeting of senior diplomats on Afghanistan opened in Tehran on Sunday, focusing on recent tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan, Iranian media reported.
Special representatives on Afghanistan from several regional countries, including Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China and Russia, are attending the meeting, which is being hosted by Iran.
Pakistani media reported that Islamabad’s delegation includes Pakistan’s special envoy on Afghanistan, its ambassador to Kabul and its ambassador to Tehran. The delegation is expected to brief participants on the situation in Afghanistan, with a particular focus on security challenges, the reports said.
The Taliban are not participating in the meeting, despite receiving a formal invitation. Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban’s foreign ministry, said they had decided not to attend.
Speaking to Taliban-run national television, Takal said they pursue relations with regional countries through existing regional organisations, formats and bilateral mechanisms, adding that “significant practical progress” had been made through those channels.
He said the Taliban believe strengthening existing regional frameworks is the preferred way to expand understanding and cooperation, and that regional engagement should continue within those formats.
In an earlier statement, Iran’s foreign ministry said the meeting would be held with the participation of special representatives from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China and Russia, but did not specify whether Taliban representatives would attend.
Relations between the Taliban and Pakistan have deteriorated sharply over the past two months, with both sides accusing each other of security violations.
During this period, Pakistan has carried out air strikes on Afghan territory, while Taliban and Pakistani border forces have been involved in several armed clashes that resulted in casualties.
Multiple rounds of talks held in Istanbul, Doha and Riyadh have failed to ease the tensions, and key border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained closed for more than two months, disrupting trade and travel.
