Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Taliban and Pakistan to improve relations, urging the two sides to ease tensions following weeks of conflict.
In a Nowruz message marking the Persian New Year, Khamenei said Afghanistan and Pakistan, which he described as “brotherly countries,” should work toward better ties.
“Afghanistan and Pakistan must establish better relations — if not for anything else, then at least for the sake of God,” he said, adding that he is prepared to take steps to support such efforts.
Iranian officials have previously urged both sides to resolve their disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
The call comes after Taliban and Pakistan agreed to a temporary ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr, following mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.
Tensions between the two sides have escalated in recent weeks, with Pakistan accusing Taliban of harboring militant groups, including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allegation the Taliban deny.
The United Nations has said at least 76 civilians were killed in eastern Afghanistan during the first two weeks of the clashes.
In one of the most recent incidents, a strike hit a rehabilitation facility in eastern Kabul on March 16, with Taliban reporting hundreds of deaths, though casualty figures remain disputed.
