Foreign Minister Javad Zarif posited that “the military approach to building peace [in Afghanistan] has failed, and the presence of foreign troops has been a lingering problem. A responsible exit of foreign troops from Afghanistan — with a smooth and effective assumption of their duties by the Afghan security forces — will be a positive step toward a sustainable peace”. He further emphasised that “Iran has always supported intra-Afghan dialogue, owned and led by Afghans themselves, which should include the Taliban... The UN should be central in facilitating intra-Afghan dialogue, and Iran stands ready to cooperate”. Zarif also contended that “instead of facilitating, the U.S. — through its economic terrorism targeting Iranians and Afghans alike — impedes” cooperation between Iran and Afghanistan.