The Taliban’s chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Pashto-language radio service that Afghans would be prepared to cooperate with the Iranian people if the United States were to attack Iran.
Part of the interview was published on Sunday, 15 February, on the Pashto-language website of Iran’s state radio.
Speaking in a cautious tone, Mujahid said the Taliban does not support war but could assist the Iranian nation in dealing with the consequences of such an attack.
The Pashto website quoted him as saying that Iran had also emerged victorious during a previous US attack and would succeed again.
He appeared to be referring to a 12-day aerial confrontation between Israel and Iran, in which the United States also participated in what it described as “Operation Midnight Hammer”. During the operation, the US targeted several nuclear facilities in Iran.
Iran’s Pashto radio also quoted Mujahid as saying that the Islamic Republic’s success stemmed from the capabilities of its political system, adding that Iran has the right to defend itself.
Although Tehran has not formally recognised the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official government, it has maintained contact and engagement with the group.
