Iran Offers Mediation, Russia Calls for Diplomatic Resolution Amid Pakistan–Afghanistan Border Clashes

Amid escalating border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Iran has offered to mediate, while Russia has called for a diplomatic resolution.

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide any necessary assistance to facilitate dialogue between the two countries and strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.

Citing the Russian Foreign Ministry, international news agencies reported that Moscow urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to immediately halt cross-border attacks and resolve their differences through diplomatic means.

During overnight tensions, Pakistani forces reportedly carried out strikes targeting major Afghan cities, according to Pakistani and Taliban officials.

Pakistani security sources claimed that air and ground attacks were launched on Taliban outposts, headquarters, and ammunition depots in various sectors along the border.

Both sides have reported significant damage, although independent verification of these claims is not available.

These attacks are being viewed as the most serious escalation in recent months, following ongoing tensions and smaller skirmishes, creating a fragile situation along the roughly 2,600-kilometer-long border.

Islamabad has long accused Kabul of harboring Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, a claim consistently denied by the Afghan Taliban.

Videos shared by Pakistani security officials show shelling in the border area during the night and the sounds of heavy artillery. Another video depicts a building on fire. According to officials, one of the strikes targeted a Taliban headquarters in Paktia province.