Iran Blames US and NATO for Afghanistan’s Ongoing Struggles

On September 25, 2025, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, convened a significant meeting with his counterparts from the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation. The discussions focused on crucial issues concerning Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and stability.

At the outset of the quadrilateral meeting, Araghchi articulated Iran’s unwavering commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. He emphasized the inherent right of the Afghan people to shape their political, economic, and social futures in accordance with the United Nations Charter and internationally accepted standards.

Araghchi pointed out that, despite the interim government’s efforts to improve conditions, Afghanistan continues to grapple with severe challenges. These issues encompass:

• Security concerns
• Humanitarian crises
• Economic instability

The Iranian minister highlighted that these challenges are not confined to Afghanistan; they have profound implications for neighboring countries. As regional partners, it is imperative for these nations to engage constructively in addressing the challenges arising from Afghanistan.

During his remarks, Araghchi criticized the imposition of sanctions on Afghanistan, stating, “Sanctions should not be used as a weapon to obstruct Afghanistan’s economic recovery or legitimate engagement with the authorities of the interim government.” He called for the unconditional release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets abroad to help restore economic stability and benefit the Afghan populace.

In addition to economic issues, Araghchi raised concerns regarding the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. He remarked, “Despite some progress in combating ISIL, the continued presence of other extremist and terrorist groups in Afghanistan remains a serious concern for neighbors and the entire region.” He urged the interim government to undertake transparent, verifiable, and decisive actions against these threats, stressing that the fight against terrorism should be comprehensive and in line with international law.

Araghchi also highlighted Iran’s role as a host to millions of Afghan refugees, noting that providing shelter for these individuals has incurred significant economic and security costs for Iran. He pointed out that Iran itself is facing the brunt of severe unilateral sanctions that violate international law.

The Iranian foreign minister delved into the implications of the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan, critiquing the two-decade military presence that, in his view, yielded nothing but suffering and insecurity. He stated that this intervention resulted in widespread casualties among Afghans and exacerbated issues like terrorism, drug trafficking, corruption, and poverty. According to Araghchi, the withdrawal in 2021 did not signify an end to responsibility; rather, it was a humiliating exit that left Afghanistan and its neighboring countries to confront the ensuing challenges alone.

He concluded by asserting that the United States and NATO bear significant responsibility for many of the contemporary issues faced by Afghanistan and the surrounding regions.

In light of these discussions, there is a pressing need for collective action among regional nations to address the multifaceted challenges stemming from Afghanistan. A unified approach that prioritizes humanitarian aid, economic cooperation, and security collaboration will be essential for fostering stability in the region.

As the international community observes the evolving situation in Afghanistan, it remains crucial to support initiatives that advocate for the rights and welfare of the Afghan people while respecting their sovereignty. Only through cooperative efforts can lasting solutions be achieved, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for Afghanistan and its neighbors.

Overall, the dialogue among Iran, China, and Russia signifies a critical step toward addressing the complexities of the Afghan situation and fostering a spirit of collaboration in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.