TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi participated in a crucial meeting with high-ranking officials from Russia, China, and Pakistan in New York, where they addressed the pressing situation in Afghanistan.

This meeting marked the third round of discussions among the four nations, held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly on Friday.

During the quadrilateral talks, Araqchi, alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, reviewed the current developments in Afghanistan and issued a comprehensive statement outlining 19 key points.

Araqchi did not hold back in his criticism of the United States and NATO, condemning their destructive influence in Afghanistan. He emphasized the need for accountability for the dire circumstances the country faces today, as reported by the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website. He highlighted the long-term consequences of the U.S. military presence, asserting that it has only led to widespread suffering and instability.

The Iranian minister detailed the impact of the U.S. intervention, noting that it resulted in significant loss of life among innocent Afghans, exacerbated health crises, and fueled issues like terrorism, drug trafficking, corruption, poverty, and displacement. He remarked that although the U.S. and its allies withdrew in August 2021, they left behind chaos and turmoil affecting not only Afghanistan but also its neighboring countries.

Araqchi expressed grave concern over the humanitarian and economic situation in Afghanistan, warning that terrorist groups, particularly affiliates of Daesh, are exploiting the current instability to strengthen their influence. As a close neighbor, Iran has been significantly affected by the influx of Afghan refugees and illegal immigrants. He noted that since the U.S. withdrawal, Iran has faced tremendous pressure due to massive migration, all while dealing with the challenges posed by international sanctions.

With over six million Afghan refugees in Iran, Araqchi stated that the country spends more than $10 billion annually to meet their needs. He urged the international community to provide sustained support to main host countries like Iran, insisting that humanitarian assistance must be impartial, unconditional, and free from political interference.

The Iranian minister also condemned the unilateral U.S. sanctions that have hindered humanitarian aid efforts for Afghan refugees, describing these actions as both inhumane and illegal. He called for the unconditional release of Afghanistan's frozen assets, stressing that sanctions should not obstruct the country’s economic recovery.

Highlighting the security risks, Araqchi warned that groups like Daesh and al-Qaeda pose threats not only to Afghanistan but also to regional stability. He underscored the need for neighboring countries to cooperate with Afghan authorities to combat terrorism, advocating for a united front against these destructive forces.

"We must clearly communicate that terrorism has no place in Afghanistan or the wider region," Araqchi asserted. He emphasized the necessity for a collective commitment to improve humanitarian, social, and economic conditions in Afghanistan. He cautioned against allowing political motives to hinder vital aid, reminding Western partners that depriving a population of basic needs does not promote human rights or improve the situation for women and girls.

Finally, Araqchi reiterated Iran’s willingness to play a more active role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, calling for enhanced cooperation from the international community to tackle issues of drug trafficking, terrorism, and the challenges of migration.