TEHRAN: Iran has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both nations to exercise self-restraint and resolve their disputes through diplomatic dialogue.

In a statement released Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei called on Islamabad and Kabul to respect each other’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty, stressing the importance of preventing further escalation along their shared border.

“Iran attaches great importance to the preservation of peace and stability in the region,” Baqaei said. “Tehran is ready to assist in any possible way to ease tensions and foster dialogue between the two Muslim neighbors.”

The call for restraint follows recent cross-border clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani troops. The violence was triggered by an airstrike earlier this week on Kabul, the Afghan capital — an attack the Taliban blamed on Pakistan.

In response, Enayatullah Khwarizmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense, said Taliban forces had carried out “successful retaliatory” strikes against Pakistani positions, accusing Pakistan of repeated air violations and aggression.

While Islamabad has not claimed responsibility for the Thursday airstrike, the exchange of fire marks a dangerous uptick in hostilities between the two countries, which have long had a tense and fragile relationship, particularly along their porous border.