Afghanistan-Pakistan ‘open war’: Iran, Russia, and China call for dialogue, offer mediation amidst conflict

Iran, Russia and China have expressed concerns about the escalation of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (February 27, 2026). Islamabad’s Defence Minister declared the neighbours at “open war”, with Pakistan bombing three major cities of Afghanistan in retaliation for earlier strikes by Afghanistan. “Our patience has now run out,” Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif posted on X.

Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict LIVE

Iran offered to help “facilitate dialogue” to resolve the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X.

Russia urges ​Afghanistan ⁠and Pakistan ‌to halt ‌cross-border ‌attacks ⁠immediately ⁠and ​resolve their ‌differences through diplomatic means, ‌the ​RIA news ⁠agency reported ‌on Friday (February 27, 2026), citing ‌the Foreign Ministry.

China said that it was “deeply concerned” by fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan, adding Beijing was talking to the two sides as it called for a ceasefire.

China “calls on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint… achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed”, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

The Ministry and China’s embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan were “working with relevant parties in both countries on this matter”, she added.