Afghanistan welcomes US-Iran deal as step toward regional stability

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Tuesday welcomed the agreement between Washington and Tehran as a constructive step toward regional stability. Addressing the Afghanistan-Central Asia Think Tank Forum in Kabul, he told delegates that peace benefits both regional states and the international community.

Implementation hopes

Muttaqi expressed hope that all parties would fully implement the deal, describing the agreement as a measure that could help reduce tensions across the region, according to local broadcaster Ariana News. He said war and conflict harm all regional countries while stability brings benefits to neighboring states and the wider world.

Conflict background

Regional tensions escalated in late February when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, killing more than 3,000 people. Tehran responded with strikes on Gulf countries and Israel, as well as restrictions on passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments.

Diplomatic breakthrough

Washington and Tehran reached a temporary truce on April 8 through Pakistani mediation before announcing a framework agreement to end the hostilities. The accord is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on July 19, concluding a war that has claimed thousands of lives and disrupted regional trade routes.