MPs say Iran a ‘second Pakistan’ for Afghanistan

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AT-KABUL: Some members of parliament called Iran as “second Pakistan”, referring to Pakistan’s enmity with Afghanistan, saying Tehran’s military support to Taliban was a matter of concern.

The parliament’s concerns come after the US officials claimed that Iran was supporting Taliban to fight US and Afghan forces.

Lawmakers called it “sensitive”, asking for serious measures from government.

“I was talking to security officials in this regard. If that (Iran’s Taliban support) is true, it would be really dangerous for Afghanistan’s future. We share border with Iran and Iran will be another Pakistan for us,” said Nesar Ghoriani, a member of parliament.

US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has recently claimed that Iran supports Afghan Taliban and sends arms and ammunition to them. He added that the support caused increase in war and violence and prevented peace and stability.

Iranian ambassador to Kabul had confirmed his country was in touch with Taliban, but said there was no relation between Tehran and insurgent group.

Russia that is also concerned about the situation in Afghanistan, says it has relations with Taliban, but does not support them.

Afghan defense ministry neither confirms nor rejects Iran’s support of Taliban, but says it investigates the issue.

“We cannot confirm the reports because the weapons seized from Taliban are smuggled from different countries to them. We are investigating the issue,” said defense ministry spokesman, Mohammad Radmanesh.