Empowering Afghans: Shaping Afghanistan’s Future Together

The situation in Afghanistan has become a focal point of international discussions, with key statements emerging from the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations. In a recent briefing, he emphasized that the future of Afghanistan should be determined solely by its people, asserting that any external solutions are not sustainable or acceptable. This article delves into the significant points made by H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani during his address before the UN Security Council, highlighting Iran’s position on Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation and its future governance.

On September 17, 2025, in New York, Ambassador Iravani delivered a powerful speech addressing the challenges and prospects of Afghanistan. He began by thanking the President of the Security Council for convening the meeting and acknowledged the valuable insights provided by SRSG Ms. Otunbayeva and the statement from Ms. Hanifa Girowal.

In his address, Iravani expressed Iran’s deep sympathy for the Afghan people, particularly in light of a recent devastating earthquake that resulted in significant loss of life. He noted that Iran has swiftly extended humanitarian aid to assist those affected and remains committed to supporting Afghanistan in overcoming the aftermath of this tragedy.

Here are the key points highlighted by Ambassador Iravani during his speech:

1. Regional Security and Stability: Iran, sharing a 900-kilometer border with Afghanistan and having hosted millions of Afghan refugees, views the peace and stability of Afghanistan as integral to its own national security. The ambassador stressed Iran’s active engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities and participation in the Doha process under UN auspices.
2. Afghan-Led Solutions: The future governance of Afghanistan must be determined by Afghans themselves. Iravani emphasized that sustainable solutions can only be achieved through an inclusive political process that respects Afghanistan’s ethnic and political diversity, sovereignty, and the rights of all citizens, especially women and girls. External solutions are deemed neither viable nor sustainable.
3. Engagement with De Facto Authorities: Acknowledging the reality of the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, the ambassador urged the international community to engage constructively with them. He highlighted the importance of humanitarian assistance remaining apolitical and emphasized the need for the release of Afghan assets frozen abroad to aid the populace. Moreover, he advocated for the restoration of travel ban exemptions for designated Taliban individuals to facilitate dialogue.
4. Responsibility of Hosting Refugees: Iran has faced significant challenges in hosting millions of Afghan refugees with limited international support. This humanitarian effort has strained Iran’s resources and infrastructure, leading to complex security issues. In response to pressures, particularly following regional conflicts, Iran has had to return illegal Afghan residents while ensuring conditions for their safe return are met.
5. Support for a Peaceful Afghanistan: The Iranian ambassador reiterated Iran’s support for a united, independent, and peaceful Afghanistan, free from terrorism and conflict. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to collaborating with regional and international partners to help Afghanistan implement measures to eradicate terrorism and prevent its territory from being used against neighboring countries.
6. Role of UNAMA: Iravani concluded his address by underscoring the crucial role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in addressing the country’s challenges. He reiterated Iran’s support for UNAMA’s mandate and its effective execution.

In summary, Ambassador Iravani’s remarks at the UN Security Council reflect Iran’s position on the importance of Afghan-led governance and the need for international cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. As the situation evolves, it is clear that any successful resolution to Afghanistan’s challenges must prioritize the voices and needs of its own people.

For further updates on the situation in Afghanistan and international responses, follow reputable news sources and official UN communications.