For Iran, US “defeat” in Afghanistan must turn into “an opportunity for peace” – Telam

Raisi: “The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the authority created by the will of the oppressed people of Afghanistan is the source of security and stability. Photo: AFP.

Iranian President, Ibrahim Raisisaid on Monday that the US “defeat” in Afghanistan must become an opportunity for “lasting peace” in the neighboring country.

“The military defeat and the withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan should provide the opportunity to restore life, security and lasting peace to the country.Raisi said, according to a statement released by the presidency, hours after the Taliban took control of Kabul and caused the government to disintegrate and President Ashraf Ghani to flee.

The Iranian president, who took office in early August, made the remarks during an interview with outgoing Foreign Minister Mohammad Yavad Zarif, the text of which was published on the presidency’s website.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the authority created by the will of the oppressed people of Afghanistan is the source of security and stability.Raisi added, without explicitly referring to the Taliban.

The Iranian foreign minister announced Monday a meeting in Tehén between Zarif and the Chinese representative for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong.

In the current context, Tehran has offered to “do everything possible” in favor of the “neighbor and brother country,” for which Raisi urged “all groups” to strengthen ties and reach a “national accord,” according to the Mehr news agency.

On Sunday, the Iranian government had already announced the establishment of a series of security zones on its border with Afghanistan to ensure the protection of citizens trying to flee the country.