Regional powers including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar on Sunday urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise restraint and resolve their escalating border dispute through dialogue, following deadly cross-border clashes that have intensified tensions in recent days.

Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi called on the two neighbouring nations “to exercise restraint,” saying regional peace depended on stability between Islamabad and Kabul.

“Our position is that both sides must exercise restraint,” Araghchi said during a live interview with Iranian state television, according to AFP. “Stability between the two countries contributes to regional stability.”

Similarly, Qatar expressed “deep concern” over the deteriorating situation, warning that continued hostilities could undermine security across South and Central Asia.

In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both sides “to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, exercise restraint, and work to contain the disputes in a way that helps reduce tension, avoids escalation, and contributes to regional peace and stability.”

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Saudi Arabia echoed similar sentiments, calling for wisdom and restraint to prevent further escalation.

“The Kingdom calls for restraint, avoiding escalation, and embracing dialogue and wisdom to contribute to reducing tensions and maintaining security and stability in the region,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It added that Riyadh “affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability” and reiterated its “commitment to ensuring security, which will achieve stability and prosperity for the brotherly Pakistani and Afghan peoples.”

The Saudi Foreign Ministry noted that it was following the situation “with concern,” urging Islamabad and Kabul to resolve their differences peacefully.

Regional tensions escalate

The appeals from Gulf nations came amid heightened military activity along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where Islamabad launched a decisive retaliatory operation early Sunday after Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire across several border locations.

According to security officials, Pakistan Army destroyed multiple Afghan posts, captured 19 key positions, and inflicted heavy losses on Afghan troops and militants in a large-scale response.

Officials said Afghan forces initiated gunfire at several border points — including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha — apparently to facilitate the movement of Khawarij formations into Pakistani territory.

Pakistan’s border posts, already on high alert, responded with precision targeting, escalating the situation into a full-scale retaliatory operation that continues to target militant hideouts along the frontier.