New Delhi: Signaling the beginning of a possible paradigm shift in global approach towards the Af-Pak region, Iran on Monday, Sept 6, said that the siege of Panjshir is by no means acceptable in terms of international law and said it is examining the possibility of 'foreign intervention'
Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said: "We are currently examining the possibility of foreign intervention in the Panjshir attacks.”
The remarks hinted towards Pakistan came shortly after Taliban claimed that the insurgents – all set to take over power formally in Kabul – have taken control of the Panjshir province.
The spokesman also said the "martyrdom" of the Panjshir commanders is utterly disappointing.
He also said, Afghan history shows that direct and indirect intervention will only result in the defeat of the aggressors.
"I strongly warn that all red lines and obligations under international law must be observed. Iran is closely following developments in Afghanistan," he said.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement saying Panjshir was now under the control of Taliban.
But the National Resistance Force (NRF) of Panjhir has strongly denied the claims.
"Taliban’s claim of occupying Panjshir is false. The NRF forces are present in all strategic positions across the valley to continue the fight. We assure the people of Afghanistan that the struggle against the Taliban & their partners will continue until justice & freedom prevails," the NRF tweeted.
It further said in the micro blogging site: "Regretfully, The National Resistance of Afghanistan lost two companions in the holy resistance against oppression and aggression today. Mr. Fahim Dashty, NRF spokesperson, and General Abdul Wudod Zara were martyred. May their memory be eternal".
Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has called for elections in Afghanistan and said on Sunday: “A government should be established there which is elected by the votes and the will of the people…. The Islamic Republic (Iran) has always sought peace and calm in Afghanistan, and an end to bloodshed and fratricide, and the sovereignty of the people’s will".
While the Taliban follow the Sunni beliefs of Islam, the Hazaras are Shias. Iran also is a powerhouse of Shias.
Meanwhile, a write up in Iran's popular Tehran Times says: "US allies in the region have sensed the danger of being abandoned by Washington. Some believe that the US “humiliating escape” from Afghanistan would serve as a wake-up call for those who still pin hope on Washington to protect them".
Iran has had serious issues with the US for the last few years over the former's nuke programme.
Following the fall of Afghanistan, all eyes are now on Iran, Russia and China who are in the neighbourhood.
There is an apprehension that pushing of radical Islam vis-a-vis Taliban takeover could spell some bigger troubles in the region. There is always a chance of a spillover.
“Lesson learned: Who can trust the United States anymore?” ran a headline in Al-Arab newspaper, believed to be close to the United Arab Emirates. It said, “With the last American planes leaving the capital, Kabul, policymakers' thoughts must turn to the future and how to deal with and rely on a new reality in the relationship with the United States.
The 'Financial Times' quoted an Arab foreign minister remarking that the main problem is the dependence of Arabs on foreigners, and then, when foreigners change their policies, "we are lost".
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