Afghanistan Warns Iran War Will Impact Regional Stability

The recent escalation of conflict involving Iran has raised significant concerns across the region, particularly following the reported killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack. Afghanistan's foreign ministry expressed that the violence would have "long-term negative effects on the entire region," highlighting the interconnectedness of regional stability given Afghanistan's 900-kilometer border with Iran. Foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi stated, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan expresses its deep regret over the attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States," emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lamented that a chance for diplomacy had been "squandered," indicating the urgency of the situation as tensions rise not only in the Middle East but also in South Asia, where protests have erupted in Pakistan among the Shia community following Khamenei's death.