Iran has expressed deep concern over escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and has offered to mediate between the two neighbors to help restore peace and stability in the region.
In a statement on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei expressed concern over recent developments between Islamabad and Kabul, underscoring the importance of mutual respect for each country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
Baqaei called for “moderation and the immediate start of dialogue” between the two sides to reduce tensions and resolve their differences through diplomatic means.
Iran urges dialogue and moderation to avoid an escalation of tensions between #Pakistan, #Afghanistan
Esmail Baqaei, @IRIMFA_SPOX expressed concern over recent developments between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He stressed the need for mutual respect for the territory… pic.twitter.com/ev1wAmS8Ot
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) October 12, 2025
The spokesman said the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches “fundamental importance to preserving peace and stability in its surrounding environment” and reaffirmed Tehran’s willingness to assist efforts aimed at reducing hostilities between the two neighboring Muslim nations.
“Iran seeks peace and stability in the region and urges both Pakistan and Afghanistan to reduce tensions through immediate negotiations,” Baghaei said, emphasizing the need to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations.
Cross-border clashes
Tensions flared again on Saturday night when Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire at multiple points along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, prompting strong and immediate retaliation by the Pakistan army.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani security forces killed more than 200 Afghan Taliban fighters during the night clashes, while 23 soldiers embraced martyrdom and 29 others were injured in the exchange of fire.
Read more: More than 200 Afghan soldiers killed and 23 soldiers martyred in retaliation attacks on Afghanistan: ISPR
The clash took place on the night of October 11-12, when Afghan Taliban forces, reportedly supported by “Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij elements,” launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani border positions.
“The cowardly action, which included shooting and some physical attacks, was aimed at destabilizing the border areas to facilitate terrorism, furthering the nefarious designs of the FAK,” the ISPR said. The Pakistani state uses the term Fitna al-Khawarij to describe militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Read also: Pakistan seals border with Afghanistan after cross-border fire
The ISPR statement added that based on credible intelligence reports and after-action assessments, more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants were neutralized, and “the number of wounded was much higher.”
Earlier, Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes inside its territory and warned of “consequences.” Islamabad, while neither confirming nor denying the attacks, said its patience with Kabul was running out, citing repeated provocations and a failure to curb cross-border terrorism.
