US seeks Türkiye’s role in Afghanistan-Pakistan peace efforts

The United States has called on Türkiye to act as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, highlighted the importance of involving a third party to help facilitate a resolution between the two nations.

Khalilzad made the statement via his X media account, stressing the need for constructive engagement to address the longstanding tensions in the region.

The Taliban have announced that their retaliation operations against recent Pakistani air attacks in Afghanistan have started. This is a terrible dynamic that must stop. Innocent Afghans and Pakistanis are getting injured or killed. A better option is a diplomatic agreement…

— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) February 26, 2026

"The Taliban have announced that their retaliation operations against recent Pakistani air attacks in Afghanistan have started.  This is a terrible dynamic that must stop. Innocent Afghans and Pakistanis are getting injured or killed.  A better option is a diplomatic agreement between the 2 countries that  neither would allow its territory to be used by individuals and groups to threaten the security of the other.  The implementation of the agreement should be monitored by a trusted 3rd party, for example Turkiye.  This approach is a much wiser course than continuing with attacks and counter-attacks,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva