Talks with Taliban need to be coordinated with Kabul: Shamkhani

TEHRAN – Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, has underlined the need for continuation of talks with the Taliban in coordination with the Afghan government to prevent interference by trans-regional states.

Iran embassy rejects Pompeo’s accusation over Kabul explosion

TEHRAN – The Iranian embassy in Afghanistan has rejected as “untrue” and “inauthentic” an accusation leveled by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo against Iran over an explosion in Kabul.

Ghani calls for Iran’s active role in Afghan peace talks

TEHRAN – Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has underlined the necessity of promoting cooperation with Iran, calling for the Islamic Republic’s active role in the Afghanistan peace talks.

‘Dam construction in Afghanistan will possibly leave Hamoun wetland dried’ 

TEHRAN — Dam construction projects on Helmand River in Afghanistan can possibly result in total dryness of Hamoun wetland in the future, southeastern Iran, deputy environment chief Masoud Tajrishi has said.

By Abdul Wahid Haidari

Afghan politicians call for interim govt; ask Ghani to step down

KABUL - There is a palpable buzz in Afghanistan these days about the forthcoming presidential election, with people and politicians discussing, debating and speculating the future of their war-torn country.

Chabahar exemption from sanctions really contributory for Afghan, Indian economies?

Despite what it appears at first glance, the U.S. is not going to help the people of Afghanistan through what is called “Chabahar Port’s exemption from sanctions”, but it in fact increases the transit costs of their commodities by imposing sanctions on Iran and consequently putting further restrictions on Afghan merchants.

Iran, China back Afghan peace efforts under Kabul direction 

TEHRAN – The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs, Deng Xijun, and his entourage held talks with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi in Tehran on Monday, expressing support for efforts to bring lasting peace to the country under the leadership and supervision of the central government.

Police chief lauds security at Iran-Afghanistan border

TEHRAN – Iranian Police Chief Hossein Ashtari has hailed as “desirable” the security situation along Iran’s common border with neighboring Afghanistan.

Iran says those who caused problems for Afghans should bear responsibility

TEHRAN - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday that Iran does not intend to deport Afghan refugees, however, those who have caused problems for the Afghan people should bear responsibility.

Mission of Afghan envoy to Tehran ends

TEHRAN – Afghanistan’s ambassador to Tehran met on Monday with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to bid farewell at the end of his diplomatic mission in Iran.

Iran supports ongoing Afghan peace talks

TEHRAN - Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Tuesday that Iran supports any efforts or talks that help establish peace, stability and security in Afghanistan.

1.3 tons of synthetic drug seized in southeast Iran

TEHRAN - An Intelligence Ministry official in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan announced on Thursday that the largest ever amount of synthetic drug shisheh (crystal methamphetamine), has been seized in Iran.

After deluge Helmand River springs back to life

TEHRAN — After 18 years of dryness the almost dead Helmand River returned to life following recent torrential rainfalls, YJC reported on Saturday.

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

 World slams ICC’s decision to not investigate U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan 

In a stark reminder of how the U.S. military industrial complex puts pressure on international watchdog bodies to toe its line, International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected a request to initiate investigation into U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan.

Resistance groups help flood victims in Iran

TEHRAN — While hundreds of Iranians are hit by floods and are displaced, various campaigns have been launched by Lebanese, Afghan, Pakistani, Iraqi, Tunisian, Syrian, Palestinian, Yemeni, Nigerian, and Bahraini resistance groups to help the victims get back on their feet again.

500,000 Afghan nationals studying in Iranian schools

TEHRAN – Currently, about 500,000 Afghan students are studying in Iranian schools free of charge, secretary general of the national commission on children’s rights has announced.

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

In Doha talks, Taliban call for withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan

TEHRAN - Hectic negotiations are underway between a delegation of the Afghan Taliban and U.S. officials in Doha to hammer out a solution to the protracted Afghan war.

‘Some Arab states fund Daesh transfer to Afghanistan’

TEHRAN – Deputy Chief of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters said on Saturday that certain “foolish heads” of Arab countries in the region have been financing the transfer of Daesh terrorists to Afghanistan by the United States.