The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan denounced “the ongoing high level of violence and… all those who authorise and carry out such attacks across Afghanistan”. He also urged “all sides to reduce violence and move quickly to a ceasefire”, asserting that “the Islamic Republic and the Taliban must respect the demands of their people and reach a political agreement as soon as possible”. Relatedly, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif affirmed that “we want a lawful and responsible withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan that should be based on the demands of the Afghan people and it should be a responsible security transition to the Afghan forces. We do not want it in the current form as the Americans go and negotiate with the Taliban… Our stance is that the Afghan people, including the Taliban, should decide their future”. Zarif went on to maintain that “a regional initiative can be helpful for Afghanistan”.