Islamuddin Sajid
22 April 2026•Update: 22 April 2026
Afghanistan’s top diplomat said Wednesday that the diplomatic approach between Iran and the US was a “constructive step,” emphasizing dialogue and negotiation to end the war in the Middle East.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, according to state broadcaster Radio and Television Afghanistan.
Muttaqi described the diplomatic approach between Tehran and Washington as a constructive step, emphasizing the importance of resolving issues through dialogue and negotiation.
The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations, with Muttaqi describing cooperation between Kabul and Tehran as progressing positively.
He welcomed the recent increase in trade and broader collaboration, expressing satisfaction with the upward trajectory of ties.
Araghchi briefed his Afghan counterpart on the latest status of talks between Tehran and Washington.
A second round of talks between the US and Iran had been expected this week in Pakistan, but Tehran said it would not attend the meeting until Washington ends its “illegal” blockade of Iranian ports.
The US had said its delegation would be led by Vice President JD Vance.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump extended a two-week ceasefire with Iran to allow time for Tehran to prepare a “unified proposal,” following a request by Pakistani officials.
Washington has called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained largely closed since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.
Tehran declared the strait open Friday but closed it again a day later after Trump announced that the blockade of Iranian ports would continue. On Sunday, US forces detained an Iranian cargo ship after opening fire and boarding it.
Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8, followed by critical talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 attended by senior delegations from both countries. However, the sides did not reach an agreement to end the Middle East war.
The ceasefire had been set to expire Wednesday, but Trump extended it without announcing a new timeframe.
