The United States has no legal standing sign Afghan peace agreement, Iran’s foreign ministry said on Sunday, a day after Washington signed a deal with the Taliban.
Iran welcomes any developments that would contribute to peace and stability in Afghanistan, but that will be possible only through intra-Afghan talks attended by the country’s political groups, including the Taliban, while taking into account the considerations of Afghanistan’s neighbors, the ministry said in a statement.
It said that Iran regards US moves as an effort to legitimize the presence of its troops in Afghanistan, which it opposes.
Under the deal signed in Doha, the US would withdraw its troops from Afghanistan within 14 months while Taliban would prevent use of Afghan soil in attacks against US and its allies. The agreement includes also intra-Afghan negotiations including about permanent ceasefire and future political roadmap.
“The pullout of these forces is a prelude to achieving peace and security in Afghanistan, and any move that sets the stage for the withdrawal of these troops will contribute to the establishment of peace in that country,” Iran foreign ministry’s statement said.
“We hope a government will take office in Afghanistan that will establish cordial and brotherly relations with its neighbors and will be able to uproot terrorism,” the statement added.
