Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi blames the United States (US) for Afghanistan controlled by the Taliban group. US troops under President Joe Biden previously withdrew from the country.
Reported by Reuters, Taliban insurgents controlled the Afghan capital, Kabul since Sunday (15/8/2021). This follows the defeat of the Afghan army, which is no longer supported by US forces.
“The American military is defeated and its withdrawal should be an opportunity to restore life, security and lasting peace in Afghanistan,” Raisi was quoted as saying by Iranian state TV on Monday (16/8/2021).
In addition, Raisi also offered an opportunity to help Afghanistan build lasting peace in the country.
“Iran supports efforts to restore stability in Afghanistan and, as a neighbor and brother country, Iran invites all groups in Afghanistan to reach a national agreement,” he said.
Oil-producing Iran, a destination for Afghans seeking work or fleeing war, said on Sunday it had set up accommodation in three provinces to provide temporary shelter for Afghans fleeing their country.
But with its economy held back by US sanctions, Iran has pushed more than 2 million more undocumented Afghan refugees and more than 800,000 registered in the Islamic Republic to return home.
Washington has in the past accused Iran of providing covert assistance to Taliban fighters against US forces. But Tehran, which supports an inclusive Afghan government that includes all ethnic groups and sects, has denied this.
Iran’s Shia Muslims have been enemies of the hardline Sunni Muslim Taliban for decades, but over the past few years have been openly meeting with Taliban leaders. In July, Tehran hosted a meeting of representatives of the then Afghan government and a high-level political committee of the Taliban.
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