Afghanistan Peace CampaignWashington has maintained that, under this directive, any aid that could potentially reach the Islamic Emirate remains suspended.
With tensions continuing across the Middle East, the United Nations has expressed concern over the growing challenges affecting the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
The World Food Programme (WFP) had previously warned that restrictions at Iranian ports and disruptions to maritime transport routes have significantly reduced food stocks intended for malnourished mothers and children.
In response to the situation, the United States Department of State told VOA’s Afghanistan Service that, after four years in power, the Islamic Emirate must assume a more active and responsible role in ensuring the health and well-being of the Afghan people.
Commenting on the issue, economic analyst Sir Qureshi said: “The U.S. State Department has stated that Afghanistan should address this challenge itself. The solution is therefore quite clear: the country must focus more on domestic production and reduce its dependence on imports. Afghanistan possesses abundant arable land, a capable workforce, and rich mineral resources that can be utilized.”
Amid these concerns, U.S. assistance to Afghanistan has been broadly suspended since January 2025, following President Donald Trump’s directive to halt and review foreign aid programs.
As a result, nearly a year and a half has passed during which a significant portion of this assistance has either been discontinued or severely restricted.
Washington has maintained that, under this directive, any aid that could potentially reach the Islamic Emirate remains suspended.
Another economic analyst, Abdul Shakoor Hadawal, said: “The people of Afghanistan have long relied on foreign assistance. Unfortunately, since the Islamic Emirate came to power and large numbers of migrants returned to the country, many donor nations have reduced their support. Therefore, there is a clear need for the Islamic Emirate to take its own measures to reduce poverty and address this crisis.”
So far, the Islamic Emirate has not commented on the matter.
Meanwhile, the closure of crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with restrictions affecting routes through Iran and Dubai, has seriously disrupted the transportation of food aid to Afghanistan and reduced vulnerable populations’ access to essential supplies.
Under these circumstances, the continuation of regional tensions has further weakened humanitarian supply chains, highlighting more than ever the need for secure and sustainable routes to ensure the delivery of aid.