Iran Strongly Condemns Taliban's Actions in Panjshir Valley

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The Iranian Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson, Saeed Khatibzadeh, stated that foreign interference in Afghanistan is "doomed to fail." He also condemned last night's attacks on Panjshir valley, which resulted in the deaths of Afghan leaders, calling these attacks "worrisome."

He expressed that the Afghan people are proud people seeking independence, making any foreign interference in the country unacceptable. He added that the matter of Panjshir "must be resolved politically, through mediation," and that it should not end in a clash between brothers, emphasizing that the Taliban must abide by its commitments.

Khatibzadeh noted that reports indicated that Panjshir was surrounded, its electricity cut off, and its people starved, which goes against international laws, noting that his country was doing its best to end the suffering of the Afghan people and form an inclusive government.

He also warned against crossing red lines and asking international organizations and regional countries to help foster peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Khatibzadeh clarified that Iran will support Afghan parties in "achieving lasting peace" in Afghanistan, and emphasizing that the position of Iran and the world government depends on the comportment of the coming government and the parties in control of Afghanistan.

Earlier today, Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced that the Taliban Movement was in complete control of Panjshir, the last area still under the control of the Afghan opposition, whereas the opposition denied the Taliban's control over the Province, stressing that battles were still underway.

The Head of the Afghan Opposition, Ahmad Massoud, praised yesterday the "Ulema Council's" suggestion to conduct talks to cease the conflict in Panjshir on the condition that the Taliban withdraw from the province.

According to Afghan media, the "Ulema Council," which is made up of clerics, had previously urged the Taliban to accept negotiations for a peaceful settlement in order to end the violence in Panjshir.

The US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley announced that Afghanistan will "likely" erupt in civil war, warning of the resurgence of Al Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist groups in the country, while questioning whether the "Taliban" can consolidate power as they seek to shift from a guerrilla force to government.

The Taliban on Saturday postponed announcing its new government, the makeup of which may provide insight into the coming years in Afghanistan, as the fledgling system still has to contend with the armed opposition in Panjshir.