1998 Diplomat Killings in Mazar-e-Sharif: Iran Urges Taliban to Punish Perpetrators

To commemorate the 26th anniversary of the killing of eight Iranian diplomats and one journalist in Mazar-e-Sharif, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the Taliban to hold those responsible for this "crime" accountable.

Tehran has reiterated its right to pursue all aspects of this "terrorist" act.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry highlighted that on August 8, 1998, eight Iranian diplomats and one journalist were murdered at the Iranian Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif, in clear violation of diplomatic norms, international laws, and ethical standards.

The Ministry cited UN Security Council Resolution 1267, which condemned the attack on the Iranian Consulate and the subsequent murders as a blatant breach of international law.

Iran has demanded that the Taliban reveal the findings of their investigation into the perpetrators of the attack and "impose the appropriate punishment”.

In August 1998, following the fall of Mazar-e-Sharif to the Taliban, the Iranian consulate in the city was attacked, resulting in the deaths of eight diplomats and one journalist. The Taliban did not claim responsibility for the massacre.

Currently, the Taliban and the Islamic Republic of Iran maintain close relations, with Iran handing over Afghanistan's diplomatic and consular missions to the Taliban.