The Iran Project - A senior Iranian official stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in the region and preventing the United States from returning to Afghanistan, while condemning Washington's destructive role in the country over the past two decades.

Hassan Kazemi-Qomi, Iran's special representative for Afghanistan, made the comments at the Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan held in Kazan, Russia.

He emphasized the need to hold the US accountable for the damage it caused during its 20-year occupation and called on neighboring countries to work together to help Afghanistan resolve its issues without relying on external powers.

Kazemi-Qomi also praised the current caretaker government in Afghanistan for its efforts in combating the Daesh terrorist group and improving the country's economic situation.

He expressed hope that the government would pursue a neighborly policy by consulting with neighboring nations and protecting Afghanistan's interests.

The meeting, attended by various countries including Russia, China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, discussed topics such as reconciliation among Afghan parties, reconstruction, counterterrorism, and regional security guarantees.

The US and its allies initially deployed troops to Afghanistan in 2001 under the pretext of fighting al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks.

However, the Taliban's swift recapture of provincial capitals and Kabul in August 2021 exposed the US's poor handling of the situation, leading to criticism and a hasty evacuation.

The US subsequently imposed sanctions on Afghanistan and seized its assets, exacerbating the country's humanitarian crisis.