Why it matters:
Given that China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan share concerns about terrorism, drug trafficking, refugee influx, and the risk of instability spilling over into their borders, Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis will have direct consequences for the security and stability of the region.
The big picture:
The foreign ministers of Iran, Pakistan, and Russia, along with China’s special envoy, convened to coordinate policies on Afghanistan’s future. The group highlighted shared responsibility to stabilize the country while rejecting unilateral sanctions and frozen Afghan assets.
What he is saying:
Araghchi emphasized non-interference, unconditional humanitarian aid, and opposition to any renewed foreign military presence in Afghanistan.
On U.S. responsibility: “The 2021 withdrawal was not the end of responsibility, but a disgraceful retreat that left Afghanistan and its neighbors abandoned with its consequences. The United States and NATO bear responsibility for a myriad of challenges Afghanistan and the region face today.”
On sanctions and aid: “Humanitarian assistance must be impartial, non-political, and unimpeded. Sanctions must not be weaponized to block Afghanistan’s recovery, and its frozen assets must be released unconditionally.”
On terrorism: “We expect the interim authorities to take transparent, verifiable and decisive measures against all terrorist threats. Counterterrorism must be comprehensive, non-discriminatory, and consistent with international law.”
On refugees: “Iran has borne the heavy cost of hosting millions of Afghan nationals with little international support. This burden cannot be carried by Iran alone.”
Key points:
- Araghchi praised Russia for hosting the meeting and welcomed the participation of Pakistan and China.
- He warned against foreign interference, saying any attempt to reestablish military bases inside or around Afghanistan would violate sovereignty and destabilize the region.
- Iran reaffirmed support for “an independent, unified and stable Afghanistan free from terrorism, foreign domination and narcotics.”
- The humanitarian response plan for Afghanistan in 2025 has received only 1.27% of its required funding.
- Iran linked Afghanistan’s instability to the legacy of two decades of U.S. and NATO military presence, which it said fueled terrorism, poverty, corruption, and displacement.
Go deeper:
Iran Sends Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan
Zohre Khazaee - Zohre Khazaee
