Iran's Strategic Pivot: Mojtaba Khamenei Offers Olive Branch in Af-Pak Conflict

• Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, intervenes in Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict, offering mediation for a ceasefire.
• Tehran aims to position itself as a central power broker in the Af-Pak belt to contain instability and rising Sunni extremism.
• Khamenei appeals to Afghanistan and Pakistan as "brotherly countries" to end cross-border fighting.
• This outreach is a calculated strategic move to project Iran as a responsible, stabilizing power amidst Western isolation and sanctions.
• Iran's mediation is driven by security concerns, fearing instability in regions like Sistan-Baluchestan and the rise of anti-Iran groups like ISIS-K.