Iran calls for unconditional release of Afghanistan's frozen assets at UNSC

Addressing a United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in Afghanistan, held in New York on June 8, Saeed Iravani, Iran's Ambassador to the UN, outlined Tehran's position on key humanitarian, security, and regional challenges facing Afghanistan. He stressed the need for coordinated international and regional efforts to support peace, economic recovery, and long-term stability in the country.

Iravani expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian and economic conditions, noting that an estimated 21.9 million people—approximately 45 percent of the population—require humanitarian assistance in 2026. He highlighted that the 2026 Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs Response Plan remained significantly underfunded at 14 percent ($240.9 million of $1.7 billion required). He reiterated Iran's call on the international community and donors to provide increased, predictable, and flexible funding to sustain life-saving humanitarian operations. He urged that efforts aimed at economic recovery should be supported, frozen assets should be released unconditionally, and obstacles that hinder economic stabilization should be removed. He emphasized that humanitarian assistance must remain impartial and free from politicization.

On the political front, Iravani stated that continued international engagement with the de facto authorities remains indispensable for advancing stability and addressing Afghanistan's challenges. He reaffirmed the importance of the comprehensive approach of principled and pragmatic engagement, as noted in the Secretary General's report. He said constructive dialogue remains essential to address humanitarian, economic, counter-narcotics, and governance-related issues. In this regard, he noted that the Doha Process continues to provide an important platform for practical cooperation, and Iran has actively participated in the Working Groups on Counter-Narcotics and the Private Sector under this Process.

Regarding women's rights, Iravani expressed concern over the continued deprivation of women and girls of their fundamental rights, including restrictions on education, employment, freedom of movement, and participation in public life. He stated that such measures are incompatible with the true teachings of Islam and called on the de facto authorities to remove these restrictions. He also emphasized that Afghanistan is an integral part of the region and Persian rich and ancient civilization, and the rights, identity, and cultural heritage of all ethnic and national communities must be fully respected and protected.

On security, Iravani noted that the threat posed by terrorist groups, including ISIL-K, continues to endanger Afghanistan and the wider region. He stressed that Afghanistan must never become a safe haven for terrorism, nor should its territory be used to threaten or undermine the security of other States, particularly neighboring countries. He expressed concern over recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and welcomed ongoing regional efforts aimed at promoting dialogue, confidence-building, and lasting stability between them.

Iravani highlighted that neighboring countries continue to bear a disproportionate share of the consequences arising from the situation in Afghanistan. He noted that Iran, sharing a long border with Afghanistan, has for more than four decades hosted millions of Afghan nationals and provided them with access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. He called on the international community to provide greater support to countries hosting Afghan refugees and migrants.

Finally, Iravani affirmed Iran's support for the extension of UNAMA's mandate and for its effective, impartial, and balanced implementation. He appreciated the efforts of China, as penholder, in preparing and submitting the draft resolution to extend UNAMA's mandate for an additional year. According to Mehr News, Iran remains committed to close cooperation with the United Nations, neighboring countries, regional organizations, and all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan that is fully reintegrated into the international community.