Iran in contact with all Afghan groups: Spokesman

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tehran stays in contact with all Afghan groups, including the Taliban, reiterating the need for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.

According to Tasnim news agency, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Monday, Saeed Khatibzadeh said Iran is in contact with all Afghan groups, including the Taliban.

During his recent visit to Kabul, Iran's Special Representative for Afghanistan Hassan Kazemi Qomi has informed the Taliban of Iran’s views and stances, the spokesman noted.

He reiterated that Tehran calls for the formation of an inclusive Afghan government that would represent the ethnic and demographic diversity of the neighboring country.

“The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Afghan people has been crystal clear. In spite of all existing differences, we have tried to help the (Afghan) people, either the refugees or the people facing problems inside Afghanistan, suffer the least harm,” Khatibzadeh added.

The spokesperson went on to say that all of Iran’s negotiations with other countries about Afghanistan have included the topic of assisting Afghans and facilitating the humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.

In an address to an emergency session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Islamabad in December 2021, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned that delay in the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan will give the enemies of Afghan people the chance to activate an extensive network of social criminals through spreading the terrorism of Daesh and creating economic hardships.

ME