Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to repair ties, warning against internal divisions in the Muslim world. In his Nowruz address delivered on Friday (March 20), he appealed to “our two brotherly countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan” to move toward reconciliation and said he was willing to assist in that effort.
He also cautioned about attempts to create discord, stating that attacks in Turkey and Oman were not conducted by Iran’s military but were a “false-flag” operation by a “Zionist enemy” aimed at fueling regional mistrust. He warned similar tactics could emerge elsewhere, urging vigilance against efforts that deepen rifts.
His remarks come as both Afghanistan and Pakistan observe a temporary pause in hostilities for Eid al-Fitr. The ceasefire, running from Thursday to Monday, follows a controversial airstrike in Kabul that triggered outrage. Pakistani aircraft struck a drug rehabilitation facility earlier in the week, with Taliban authorities claiming around 400 fatalities and more than 200 injuries.
Islamabad has denied intentionally targeting civilians, but the scale of casualties has intensified scrutiny. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the ceasefire as a “gesture in good faith” requested by “brotherly Islamic countries” such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. However, he made clear that the pause is conditional.
“In case of any cross-border attack, drone attack or any terrorist incident inside Pakistan, (operations) shall immediately resume with renewed intensity,” he said.
Kabul has also agreed to the temporary halt but signaled deep frustration. At a funeral gathering, Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani condemned the strike, calling the victims innocent civilians targeted by “criminals.” He warned, “We will take revenge,” adding, “We are not weak and helpless. You will see the consequences of your crimes.”
Even while expressing a preference for diplomacy, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation: “We do not want war but the situation has come to this.”
On the ground, the humanitarian toll is stark. Aid workers described chaotic scenes, with Afghan Red Crescent teams transporting coffins to mass burial sites. Jacopo Caridi of the Norwegian Refugee Council said, “I saw a finger in one place, a foot in another place, a hand in one location. It was really horrific.”
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