TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has extended an offer to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan following the collapse of peace negotiations mediated by Qatar and Turkiye. During a meeting with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran.
Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s willingness to assist in easing tensions and fostering dialogue between the two neighboring nations. The Iranian leader’s proposal comes shortly after Pakistan announced that the recent round of peace talks with the Afghan Taliban, aimed at de-escalating border clashes, had ended without progress. The initial negotiations, held in Doha, were triggered by a series of border skirmishes initiated by the Taliban-backed militants, which resulted in the deaths of over 200 Pakistani soldiers and casualties on both sides.
Following a ceasefire agreement on October 19, the two sides planned to reconvene in Istanbul on October 25 for further discussions. However, the subsequent talks in Turkiye unraveled after five days, with Pakistani officials citing the Taliban’s “illogical” stance and a disconnect from ground realities. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused elements within Kabul, allegedly controlled by India, of sabotaging the negotiations and fueling proxy conflicts against Pakistan.
In the meeting, the Pakistani interior minister briefed President Pezeshkian on border security issues and bilateral cooperation initiatives.
Iranian President reiterated Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan, acknowledging the “immense support” Islamabad has provided over the years and underscoring Iran’s desire to contribute to regional stability through diplomatic means.
