Iran Urges UN Action against Terrorism in Afghanistan

In a telephone conversation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday, Hossein Amirabdollahian denounced the terrorist attacks carried out by Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) in Afghanistan in recent days and expressed concern about the situation in that country.

He said the terrorist activities and the targeting of worshipers, along with the new wave of Afghan refugees, have added to the responsibility of the United Nations and its secretary general in this regard.

The Iranian foreign minister called for serious action by the UN secretary general to stop and confront terrorism in Afghanistan.

He referred to a planned regional conference on Afghanistan in Tehran and stated that the conference is set to be attended by the foreign ministers of Afghanistan's neighboring countries.

Amirabdollahian further referred to the nuclear negotiations and stated that the recent talks between the Iranian deputy foreign minister and European Union Deputy Foreign Policy Chief Enrique Mora were positive and that they will continue their negotiations next week in Brussels.

He stated that Iran supports negotiations that have tangible practical results, and if parties to the JCPOA fully live up to their obligations, Iran will return to fulfilling its commitments too.

For his part, Guterres said the United Nations will continue to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and emphasizes the need for the formation of an inclusive government that represents all Afghan ethnic groups and minorities.

Expressing hope for the success of the Iran nuclear talks, Guterres said the UN has always supported the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.