Dr Kharrazi, President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations in a meeting with Mohammad Karim Khalili, chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council, said the presence of US troops in Afghanistan has prevented the realization of peace in the country, while interventions by other countries have also made the situation more complicated in Afghanistan.

The SCFR President, evaluating the role of the United States in Afghanistan, said Washington is using Afghanistan as a tool and its claims on restoring peace to the country are not trustworthy. He said Washington’s action in moving the ISIS from Iraq and Syria to Afghanistan is in complete contradiction with the claims that the U.S. is trying to return peace to Afghanistan.

Taking into account the threat of ISIS in Afghanistan, Dr Kharrazi noted that the Saudi and American support for ISIS and using the group as a tool should be taken seriously!

The SCFR chief pointing to the complexity of the situation in Afghanistan and the intervention of major powers said the Afghan Peace Council has a great responsibility on its shoulders.

Dr Kharrazi, emphasizing that Iran has always tried to support the Afghan nation since the time of ‘jihad’, said given that peace in Afghanistan will affect the security of Iran and the region, “we welcome it and are ready to cooperate for the achievement of peace in Afghanistan.”

Khalili said he was happy with his visit to Iran, adding that Tehran plays a significant role in the realization of peace in Afghanistan.

Commenting on the peace process in Afghanistan, Chairman of the High Peace Council said: “All groups and people in Afghanistan are demanding peace, and there is a good national consensus. Meanwhile, our effort is to reach a consensus on peace.”

Khalili said peace-building in Afghanistan requires a loyal approach towards all Afghan groups and the advancement of inter-Afghan dialogue in a climate of mutual trust.

Asserting the positive role of Iran in Afghanistan, he stated: “Iran’s assistance and support for the Afghan people have been praised by the people of Afghanistan in recent years and we expect Tehran to play an effective role in peace-building.

Khalili further added that the facilities the Islamic Republic of Iran has provided for the education of hundreds of thousands of students and 21,000 university students are regarded an enormous asset to the people of Afghanistan, and are praised by the people of Afghanistan.