Iranian FM: Iran Favors Terrorism-Free Afghanistan

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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in a phone call on Tuesday night that "Iran favors an Afghanistan free of war and terrorism." He said this as the two were discussing developments in Afghanistan.

Amir-Abdollahian noted that Iran principles a policy of dialogue between all parties in order to form an inclusive government in Afghanistan that reflects the country's social and ethnic fabric, adding that only through this way "Afghanistan can reach peace."

He also added that Iran will keep its borders and border crossings open to alleviate Afghanistan's current conditions and will maintain the trade between the two countries.

He also clarified that the US and its two decades of military presence are to blame for the current situation in Afghanistan, but now it is the will and opinion of the Afghan people that must prevail and end this situation.

Former President Hamid Karzai said that Afghanistan's senior officials will do their best to overcome this situation and that the main thing is to achieve the will of the people of Afghanistan. 

On his part, Karzai also thanked Iran's efforts, saying that Afghanistan's senior officials and dignitaries, including the Taliban, are in talks, which they want Iran to continue to support, as it had done before.

The Quds Force Commander, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, said that Iran is in contact with the Taliban and seeks to activate diplomatic efforts with the Movement.