Latest news with #AbdulQaharBalkhi
India Gazette
22-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Afghanistan condemns US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites
New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Spokesperson of Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, has condemned the United States' airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. In a post on X, Balkhi also expressed concern over the growing instability in the region. 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in continuation of the Israeli regime's attacks, condemns the United States' strikes on the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, & expresses concern over the growing instability in the region,' Balkhi posted. 'IEA-MOFA deems the violation of the national sovereignty & territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran as unacceptable, & calls on all involved sides to give diplomacy a chance in order to resolve the issue,' he added. Meanwhile, after the US airstrikes on its nuclear installations, Iran is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically vital chokepoints in the world, and any blockade by Tehran would pose serious risks for Europe, EuroNews reported on Sunday. Revolutionary Guard commander Sardar Esmail Kowsari told local media in an interview that closing the Strait of Hormuz 'is under consideration, and Iran will make the best decision with determination,' as per EuroNews. 'Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy, and the military response was only part of our overall response,' added Kowsari, who is a member of the Iranian parliament in addition to his military position. Earlier on Sunday, US President Donald Trump said the 'very successful' strikes had hit the Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan underground nuclear sites in Iran. According to EuroNews, Iran's short- and medium-range missiles would be capable of targeting oil infrastructure platforms, pipelines in the Strait, or even attacking commercial vessels, and surface-to-surface missiles could target tankers or ports along the Gulf. Airstrikes using aircraft and drones could disable navigation or radar equipment at major shipping ports in the region. Unmanned drones like Iran's Shahed models could potentially be used to attack specific shipping lanes or infrastructure in the Strait. Iran could attempt to deploy warships to block access to the Strait physically. In 2012, Iran launched a cyberattack on Saudi Arabia's oil industry, showing its growing capability in this domain, as per EuroNews. (ANI)
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Kabul ready for refugee 'dialogue' with US
The Taliban government said Tuesday it was ready for "dialogue" with the Trump administration on the repatriation of Afghan refugees whose legal protections in the United States will be revoked in July. Citing an improved security situation in Afghanistan, Washington announced Monday that the temporary protected status (TPS) designation for Afghanistan would expire on May 20 and the termination would take effect on July 12. Kabul is "ready to engage in constructive dialogue with the US & other countries regarding repatriation of Afghans who no longer meet criteria to remain in host countries," said Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on X. The Taliban government has already offered assurances that those Afghans who fled the country as they stormed back to power in 2021 could safely return. However, the United Nations has reported cases of executions and disappearances.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Taliban Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Flags Big Threat To Region After India 'Cuts Off' Pakistan
/ Apr 24, 2025, 10:56AM IST In a rare diplomatic move, the Taliban-led Afghan government issued a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 28 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. The statement, made by foreign ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi, directly denounced the targeting of tourists and emphasised that such acts threaten regional peace and stability.
Mint
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Taliban condemns terror attack in Pahalgam, says it ‘weakens regional security efforts'
Afghanistan's Taliban government on Wednesday condemned the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, saying such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability. In a statement, the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said, 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses condolences to the bereaved families.' Balkhi said 'such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability.' This is a breaking news report, more details are being added First Published: 24 Apr 2025, 06:24 AM IST
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Taliban condemns Pahalgam massacre, calls attack a blow to regional security
Abdul Qahar Balkhi NEW DELHI: Afghanistan's Taliban government on Thursday condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 28 civilians were killed, stating that such incidents undermine regional security and stability. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Abdul Qahar Balkhi , the spokesman for the Taliban-run Afghan ministry of foreign affairs, expressed condolences to the families of the victims. 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region, and expresses condolences to the bereaved families,' Balkhi said. This comes at a time of strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have worsened since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. However, Kabul has continued to maintain that India is an "important" regional power. In January of this year, a meeting took place between Afghanistan's acting foreign minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Indian foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, in Dubai. During this meeting, the Afghan delegation assured India that Afghanistan posed no threat to any nation.
