Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh called the Taliban to provide security for diplomats and staff at its diplomatic mission in the western city of Herat. Khatibzadeh’s remarks came after the Taliban announced that it had captured the city.
Sharing a message on his Twitter account, the Iranian spokesperson wrote, “Considering the Taliban’s dominance over the city of Herat, we draw their serious attention to ensuring the complete safety and health of diplomats and diplomatic facilities.”
Stating that the Foreign Ministry is in regular touch with the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the city, Khatibzadeh underlined that the health status of Iranian officials there is closely monitored.
The Director-General of West Asia at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Rasoul Mousavi, also made statements regarding the situation of Iranian officials in Afghanistan earlier on Friday. Sharing a post on his Twitter account, Mousavi said, “Our diplomats, like the diplomats of the three other countries present in Herat, are in perfect health and security and have no concerns.
Earlier, Mousavi wrote on Twitter that “the Islamic Emirate,” referring to the Taliban, has taken control of the city of Herat. Besides, the group committed to secure the Consulate General, its diplomats, and staff, the Iranian diplomat indicated without giving further details.
Meanwhile, Tehran announced on Friday that Iran’s consulate general in the Afghan northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif was temporarily closed after the Taliban surrounded the city. According to the announcement, the consulate will maintain its services from Kabul temporarily.
On the other hand, following the fall of the city of Herat to the Taliban, Western countries and aid agencies began to evacuate their staff from Afghanistan on Friday. The group’s advancement throughout the country has led to worries of the collapse of the West-supported government.
