Overview
- Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova offered mediation, urging restraint and dialogue while warning that the border tensions threaten regional security.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the situation with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, with Moscow noting the previously mediated ceasefire by Qatar and Turkiye.
- The second round of talks in Istanbul ended without progress as Pakistan's delegation returned home and Islamabad reiterated that Kabul must curb terrorism originating from Afghan territory.
- Taliban authorities accused Pakistan of airspace violations and political pressure, and sources described Pakistan's demands as unrealistic.
- Turkey plans to send a high-level delegation to Pakistan and Iran has offered to mediate, while analysts suggest Russia's role could inject momentum into stalled diplomacy.