
US backs Pakistan’s right to defend itself amid cross-border strikes on Afghanistan
Washington publicly backed Pakistan’s claimed right to defend itself after Pakistan bombed Afghan cities amid escalating border clashes, while Kabul said it sought dialogue; Pakistan declared an ‘open war’ and accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering militants, a charge Kabul denies. The EU and UK pressed for de-escalation and renewed talks, and past mediation attempts—including a Qatar-brokered ceasefire in 2025—have yet to yield a lasting peace.












