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US closes Peshawar consulate as Pakistan-Afghan tensions spike
WASHINGTON / ISLAMABAD / KABUL — The United States Department of State has announced the permanent closure of the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, a diplomatic mission long considered the closest American post to Afghanistan, as tensions intensify between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan government.
The closure of the diplomatic facility in Peshawar, located in northwestern Pakistan near the Afghan border, comes amid escalating hostilities between Islamabad and authorities in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
U.S. officials cited security concerns and the deteriorating regional environment as key factors behind the decision, which effectively removes Washington’s closest diplomatic presence to Afghanistan’s eastern frontier.
Escalating military tensions
The diplomatic move follows reports that Pakistani forces conducted airstrikes targeting areas in Kabul and several Afghan border provinces, reportedly killing at least four people and further worsening relations between Islamabad and the Taliban government.
Pakistani authorities say the strikes were aimed at militant elements operating along the frontier, while Afghan officials have condemned the attacks as violations of national sovereignty.
Washington hardens stance
The closure also reflects a tougher policy direction under the administration of Donald Trump toward the Taliban leadership in Kabul.
Earlier this week, Washington designated Afghanistan as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” accusing Taliban authorities of arbitrarily detaining foreign nationals and aid workers. The designation has sharply increased diplomatic friction between the United States and Afghanistan.
China steps in as mediator
Amid the rising tensions, China has reportedly begun diplomatic efforts to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan in an attempt to prevent further military escalation along the volatile border region.
Regional analysts warn that the closure of the Peshawar consulate may signal a broader diplomatic disengagement by the United States from direct on-the-ground engagement near Afghanistan, while also highlighting the growing influence of China in regional mediation efforts.
Security experts estimate there is a 65–75 percent likelihood of further diplomatic escalation if cross-border attacks continue and negotiations fail to ease tensions.
