The Iranian embassy in Kabul expressed gratitude to the Islamic Emirate and the people of Afghanistan for their support in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Ali Reza Bikdeli, the embassy’s acting head, called the solidarity of Muslims, particularly in neighboring countries like Afghanistan, highly valuable.
Bikdeli stated: “Let me reiterate that the support of Muslims, especially our neighbors such as Afghanistan, is immensely precious to us. We ask the people of Afghanistan to stand by us in these times, pray for us, and use all available means to demonstrate the unity of the Islamic Ummah.”
He said that some nations are attempting to exploit media and social networks, including the issue of Afghan refugees in Iran, to create a rift between Kabul and Tehran.
Bikdeli emphasized that over the past 48 years, Iran has been a good host to Afghan refugees, and today approximately six million Afghan citizens live in Iran without restriction.
He elaborated: “In the last 48 years, millions perhaps more than 20 million from Afghanistan have come to Iran, lived here, and returned to their country. Currently, about six million Afghans live in Iran alongside Iranian citizens without any restrictions on those legally residing in Iran.”
Bikdeli also stressed the continuation of economic cooperation between Afghanistan and Iran, stating that even during a crisis, threats can be turned into opportunities.
He noted: “In recent years, we have developed the relationship infrastructure between the two countries transport links, customs relations, strengthening private sector cooperation, and contractual frameworks. There has been significant high-level dialogue in recent months. Therefore, we will continue this process, and I promise that relations between Iran and Afghanistan will continue on an upward trajectory, with a better future ahead.”
In response to reports of mistreatment and forced expulsions of Afghan refugees from Iran, the embassy stated that the Iranian government began formalizing the legal status of undocumented residents a year ago and that Afghan authorities have been informed of the details.
According to Ali Reza Bikdeli, Iran is seeking to establish a legal framework for those who have been living in Iran illegally.