Tehran Intensifies Pressure Over Iranians Caught in Feud
The Iranian government stepped up pressure on Afghanistan’s Taliban militia Saturday, warning of possible action as tension mounted between the neighboring states over the fate of Iranians caught up in factional fighting.
State-run Tehran radio, in a commentary reflecting calls in Iranian media for a strike against the Taliban, said Iran had the right under international law to take all necessary action against the ruling purist Islamic militia.
Iran accuses the Taliban of holding scores of Iranians, including at least 10 diplomats and a journalist who have not been seen since militia fighters captured the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, headquarters of the northern opposition alliance, last month.
Iran recently issued a stern warning to the Taliban after the Islamic militia’s supreme leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, said the diplomats were “probably dead.” Tehran has also asked the United Nations to investigate the men’s fate.
“Tehran has tried . . . to make the [United Nations] Security Council aware of a situation which can threaten international peace and security,” Tehran radio said.
“After this process, Iran will have the right under Chapter 7, Article 51, of the U.N. Charter to take all necessary action in the context of legitimate defense.”
U.S. officials had warned that Iran was poised to send thousands of troops into Afghanistan after tension reached the breaking point.
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