Iran's Unexpected Lifeline
As U.S. stealth fighters and carrier groups descend on the Persian Gulf, the drums of war have produced an unexpected harmony: the Taliban, once bitter rivals of the West, are now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Tehran, warning that any strike on Iran will be met with a united Afghan response.
Afghanistan's Taliban government said its citizens are prepared to cooperate with Iran if the country is attacked by the U.S., as Washington continues a massive military buildup in the Middle East.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan citizens are "prepared to cooperate" with the Iranian people if Iran comes under U.S. attack. "The Taliban does not support war, but may help Iran deal with the consequences of an attack against it," he said.
The Afghan news agency AVA-press quoted Mujahid as saying: "We do not support wars and conflicts. But the last time the Islamic Republic of Iran was attacked, the result was an Iranian victory. I believe it will be the same this time, because Iran has the power. Iran is right and has the right to defend itself."
The Afghan official added: "If we receive any request, Afghans are ready, within their capabilities, to show solidarity and cooperation with the Iranian people in the event of military difficulties. We hope war does not break out between the two countries."
Meanwhile, Iran reported that the Revolutionary Guards' naval forces have begun a joint exercise focused on the Strait of Hormuz, under the supervision of Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami. The drill includes readiness tests, reviews of plans and military response scenarios by the Revolutionary Guards to potential security and military threats in the Strait of Hormuz region.