The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have strongly condemned recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran, warning that the attacks are a violation of international law and could further destabilize an already volatile region. In a statement issued on Friday, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denounced the strikes as a breach of Iran’s national sovereignty.
“These attacks constitute a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international law, particularly national sovereignty,” Mujahid posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the continued hostilities have made the regional situation “even more fragile and worrying.”
The Israeli strikes reportedly targeted high-profile Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists, intensifying fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. While Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility, the incidents have raised tensions significantly and come at a delicate time, with US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government, which does not recognize Israel, called on international actors to take urgent steps to de-escalate the situation. “We urge all stakeholders to address this issue and prevent the spread of further insecurity and instability in the region,” Mujahid said.
This marks one of the Taliban’s most direct forays into commenting on international conflict since their return to power in August 2021. While the Taliban have largely focused on internal governance and securing recognition, their statement signals a desire to assert a diplomatic stance, particularly in support of regional allies.
Iran, which has cultivated close ties with the Taliban, remains one of the few countries to maintain an active diplomatic presence in Kabul, though it has not officially recognized the Taliban-led government. Tehran’s cooperation with the Taliban spans security and economic interests, especially regarding cross-border trade and managing shared water resources.
The strikes and subsequent condemnation highlight the increasingly interconnected nature of Middle Eastern and South Asian geopolitics. With the possibility of broader conflict looming, voices like the Taliban’s though controversial underscore the urgency of diplomatic engagement to avert further escalation.