US Defense Secretary Hegseth Criticizes 'Stupid Methods' in Afghanistan War; Islamic Emirate FM Blasts Pakistan

Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary, stated that the United States used "a lot of stupid methods" during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq but aims to avoid repeating those mistakes in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

In an interview with Sibias News, Hegseth said the goal against Iran is "to bring the enemy to its knees." He added that whether Iran formally surrenders, such as through a ceremony in Tehran, "depends on them." His comments come amid rising regional tensions from US, Israeli and Iranian military actions.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said Pakistan's military regime seeks to impose demands via pressure but the Afghan people will not yield. At an iftar for foreign ambassadors in Kabul on Sunday, he said the regime has "very brutally" expelled Afghan migrants, blocked trade routes, violated Afghanistan's national sovereignty and launched anti-Afghanistan propaganda in international forums.

"The people of Afghanistan have never submitted to pressure throughout history and will spare no sacrifice for their country's freedom," Muttaqi said. Responding to Pakistani claims of attacks organized from Afghanistan by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), he called the group a longstanding phenomenon due to specific factors.

"Pakistani generals, instead of solving internal problems, have endangered the entire region's security," he said. Muttaqi warned that pressure strengthens resistance and urged diplomatic resolution of Middle East issues with respect for national sovereignty.

The UN Security Council will meet on Afghanistan Monday, with new members Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lithuania and Liberia sharing views. Georgette Gagnon, acting UNAMA head, will brief on political, humanitarian and rights developments. Recent Durand Line clashes from February 26 to March 5 killed or wounded 185 civilians, worsening the crisis where half of 44 million Afghans need aid. Focus expected on civilian protection and UNAMA mandate extension before March 17 expiry.