ISLAMABAD: Several countries, including the United States, have voiced support for Pakistan’s position following the latest escalation with Afghanistan, while also urging restraint to prevent the situation from spiralling further.
The United States and several other countries also urged Afghanistan’s interim Taliban authorities to take concrete action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory and prevent it from being used to launch attacks against other states.
China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom joined Washington in expressing concern over the violence, with all backing Pakistan’s right to self-defence and calling for immediate de-escalation and dialogue. Iran, which borders both nations, offered to mediate between the two sides.
Iran Offers Mediation
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran stood ready to help facilitate talks.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries,” he wrote on X.
Gulf Diplomatic Efforts
Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Qatar, is making efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” a source with knowledge of the talks told AFP, adding that the aim is to “de-escalate the situation and prevent it from spiralling out of control
“Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Qatar, is making efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the source said, adding that the aim is to “de-escalate the situation and prevent it from spiralling out of control”.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate calls with Afghanistan’s Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar, expressing concern and agreeing to remain closely engaged.
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also held separate conversations with his counterparts from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, a Turkish diplomatic source said.
China and Russia Call for Calm
China, a key regional investor and neighbour, expressed deep concern and urged both sides to exercise restraint.
“China supports combating all forms of terrorism and calls on both parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, properly resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation, achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further loss of life,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.
She added that Beijing was mediating through its own diplomatic channels and had requested assurances regarding the safety of Chinese personnel and projects.
Russia also urged an immediate halt to hostilities. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the clashes a dangerous development and appealed for a return to political and diplomatic engagement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was closely monitoring the situation.
Western Reactions
Britain expressed “grave concern” over the escalation. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged both sides to take immediate steps toward de-escalation and avoid further harm to civilians.
In Washington, US President Donald Trump signalled strong ties with Pakistan’s leadership but suggested he was not actively seeking to mediate.
“Well, I would, but I get along with Pakistan, as you know, very well. Very, very well,” Trump told reporters, praising Pakistan’s leadership.
United Nations and Humanitarian Concerns
The United Nations also called for restraint. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “deeply concerned by the escalation of violence,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
“He calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and he reiterates his call on the parties to resolve any differences through diplomacy.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross warned of growing humanitarian risks. ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric stated that the organization was preparing an operational response to emerging needs on the ground and emphasized the importance of protecting civilians.
