Representatives from Afghanistan's neighboring countries and Russia met in Iran to discuss regional cooperation on political, economic, and security issues related to Afghanistan, but the Taliban-led government declined to attend. The participants called for the lifting of sanctions on Afghanistan, the release of frozen assets, and greater support for Afghan refugees, while also pledging to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. The talks highlighted ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with recent border clashes and failed peace negotiations underscoring the region's instability. The absence of Afghanistan from the meeting drew criticism, with some officials suggesting it reflects an unwillingness to engage in dialogue. The group agreed to hold future meetings in Turkmenistan and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of Afghanistan's integration into regional processes.