INTERNATIONAL — March 20, 2026
Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei Urges Taliban and Pakistan to Establish Better Relations
Iran's new leader Mojtaba Khamenei urged the Taliban and Pakistan to improve relations in a Nowruz message, offering to mediate amid ongoing tensions and a recent four-day ceasefire. The UN reported 76 civilian deaths in eastern Afghanistan during the initial weeks of conflict, with the Taliban claiming hundreds killed in a Pakistani strike on a medical center in eastern Kabul.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV — corroborated by Ariana News — 2 min read
Mojtaba Khamenei, the new leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called on the Taliban and Pakistan to establish better relations in a Nowruz message issued for the solar year 1405.
"Pakistan was especially beloved by our martyr leader. I wish to emphasize that the two brother countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, must establish better relations with each other—if not for anything else, at least for the sake of God—and I am ready from my side to take the necessary steps in this regard," Khamenei stated. He emphasized his readiness to take necessary actions to improve ties.
Previously, Iranian officials had urged the Taliban and Pakistan to end tensions and resolve disputes through diplomatic means.
The appeal comes amid escalating tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan. Pakistani officials have accused the Taliban of supporting armed groups opposed to Pakistan, particularly Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a claim the Taliban denies.
After three weeks of conflict, the two sides announced a temporary four-day ceasefire on Wednesday ahead of Eid al-Fitr, at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.
The United Nations reported that 76 civilians were killed in the first two weeks of the conflicts in eastern Afghanistan.
In the latest incident, the Pakistani military targeted a medical center in eastern Kabul, which the Taliban said resulted in hundreds killed.
Read the original reporting at Amu TV →
Reliability assessment
Two independent Afghan outlets (Amu TV, Ariana News) corroborate the Nowruz message from named public figure Mojtaba Khamenei, including direct quote; the attributable statement is reliably reported.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
Addressing the two neighbouring nations, <strong>Khamenei described Afghanistan and Pakistan as “brotherly countries" and “very close neighbours",</strong> appealing for an immediate end to the cross-border fighting while declaring his personal readiness ...
Khamenei maintained that Iran was targeting only military installations and not civilians, adding that such operations would continue. At the same time, he expressed a desire for peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan, and emphasised the importance of stronger ties across the Muslim world, including improved relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Khamenei highlighted the importance of regional ties, particularly with neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan, <strong>urging stronger relations and cooperation among Muslim nations</strong>.
- Iran’s Khamenei says enemy ‘defeated’ in written Nowruz message | US-Israel war on Iran News | Al Jazeeraaljazeera.com
Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem, reporting from Tehran, said Khamenei attempted to deliver a conciliatory message to countries in the region that have been affected by the war. But “he knows that there is a huge mistrust and lack of confidence,” Hashem added. The supreme leader also called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to end their fighting and said he stood ready to assist.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Mojtaba Khamenei called for better relations between Taliban and Pakistan in Nowruz message.
- Taliban and Pakistan announced temporary four-day ceasefire.
- Pakistan accused Taliban of supporting TTP; Taliban denies.
- UN reported 76 civilian deaths in eastern Afghanistan.
- Taliban claims Pakistani attack on medical center in eastern Kabul killed hundreds.
Filed by 2 outlets
Amu TV
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Ariana News
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Mojtaba Khamenei, Taliban, Pakistan, Iran, TTP
Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in International
Nearly 500 Afghan Migrants Freed from Pakistani Prisons and Returned Home
— Reliable
Iranian Court Sentences Afghan Migrant to Six Years in Prison
— Reliable
NATO Secretary General Reports US Reducing Commitments and Europe Increasing Forces
— Reliable
Belgium Opposes Taliban Delegation Trip to Brussels for Migration Talks
— Reliable