US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has accused Iran of attempting to destabilizing neighboring Afghanistan.
He also said that the US was working with its allies in the region to curb what he described as Iran’s expansionist efforts to destabilize areas such as Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
“We come on to the scene and say you know, that agreement does not speak to a lot of the problems we have with Iran. So, I don’t want people to think that’s what defines either the relationship or policy with Iran is the JCPOA (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), Iran continues these efforts, is persistent in these efforts to exert their influence across the Middle East, and it is our intent working with our allies in the region to push back on Iran’s expansionist efforts to destabilize areas, particularly Yemen, Iraq, Syria — but we also see them in the areas of Afghanistan,” he said.
He said that Iran’s expansionist intention was aimed to increase its influence in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
Referring to Tillerson’s remarks, meanwhile, a number of lawmakers in parliament have said that destabilizing efforts against Afghanistan were because of rivalries between certain countries.
“Undoubtedly it is not our war, it is a war between Iran and the US, the war between Iran and the Arabs, the war between Indians and the Pakistanis, our officials should focus on this,” said MP Farhad Majidi.
“There are two important factors, first the countries have been pursuing their own long term strategies, they want to reach their strategic objectives through pressure and influence; secondly, Iran tries to put pressure on its strategic rival the United States and its partner the Afghan government,” said legal expert Nasrullah Stanekzai.
Despite concerted efforts, TOLOnews was not able to get comment from the Iranian embassy in Kabul. However Tehran has always rejected such allegations in the past.
Source » tolonews