Taliban must explain attacks on diplomatic missions in Afghanistan: FM

Iran says Afghanistan’s acting Taliban government is responsible for maintaining the security of Tehran’s diplomatic missions in the country and should thus provide explanations for the attacks on the Iranian embassy in Kabul and its consulate in the eastern city of Herat.

According to Press TV, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Tuesday held separate phone calls with the country’s Ambassador to Kabul Bahador Amininan and consulate general to Herat, a day after videos surfaced online of the attacks on the two diplomatic missions.

The attackers, who were described in media reports as extremist elements, only managed to damage the mission’s surveillance cameras by throwing stones at them.

The FM criticized Afghanistan’s rulers for failing to make the necessary arrangements to ensure the security of the diplomatic missions, which is a responsibility of the host country.

He warned of plots being pursued by enemies to sow discord between the two countries.

Earlier in on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Afghan charge d’affaires to strongly protest against the attacks. Tehran also called for legal proceedings to be launched against those behind the attacks.

Attacks designed by enemies to sow discord: Iran interior minister

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi warned on Tuesday that that attacks had been planned by enemies with the purpose of fomenting discord between the two neighbors.

Speaking to reporters, Vahidi said the Iranian and Afghan nations enjoy deep-rooted and very good relations, adding, “Iran has always been a good host for Afghan refugees.”

He said the “unacceptable” moves by some individuals in Herat and Kabul were meant to create tensions between the two neighborly nations.

He urged the Afghan officials to be cautious about such plots.

‘Iran’s missions in Afghanistan continue activities’

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said all the missions representing the Islamic Republic in Afghanistan are open and continue their activities.

The Iranian spokesperson emphasized that Afghanistan’s acting Taliban government is expected to responsibly ensure full security of the Islamic Republic’s diplomats and diplomatic missions in that country.

Khatibzadeh had on Monday warned against plots by certain ill-wishers of Iran and Afghanistan to incite negative sentiments toward each country among people of the other country and drive a wedge between them.

Taliban: Gathering in front of Iran’s Herat mission was unauthorized

A Taliban official said the demonstrations in front of the Iranian consulate in Herat were arbitrary and not authorized.

Naeem ul haq Haqqani, the director of information and culture for Herat province, said in Twitter that Taliban security forces immediately rushed to Iran’s consulate and took full control of the situation.

SS