Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to hold talks to settle their disputes, as the neighboring countries are engaged in an “open war”.

“In the blessed month of Ramadan, a month of self-restraint and strengthening solidarity in the Islamic World, it’s fitting for Afghanistan and Pakistan to manage and resolve their existing differences within the framework of good neighborliness and through dialogue,” Araghchi said in a post on X on Friday.

He also expressed Tehran’s readiness to support the process and provide any assistance to facilitate dialogue, and enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

This comes as Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared the neighbors are at “open war” following months of tension.

Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, on Friday, after Afghan forces had attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday night.

Taliban officials described the operation as a "retaliatory" measure against recent Pakistani airstrikes earlier in the week, which they claimed killed at least 18 people, including civilians, in eastern Afghan border regions. Islamabad said the attacks targeted alleged militant camps and hideouts near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The escalation marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the two neighbors, building on months of tension fueled by cross-border militant activity.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing its territory to serve as a safe haven for groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), responsible for a surge in attacks inside Pakistan, including recent bombings.

The Afghan side counters that Pakistan supports anti-Taliban elements and conducts violations of its airspace and territory.

The latest flare-up threatens to undermine fragile diplomatic efforts, including a Qatar-mediated ceasefire that had largely held since late 2025 despite sporadic violations.

Press TV’s website