The direct conflict between Iran and Israel severely impacts Afghanistan, which is struggling with fragile governance, economic crisis, and insecurity under Taliban rule.

The U.S. and India are nearing a deal to lower tariffs on American imports to the South Asian country and to help India avoid levies imposed by the Trump administration rising sharply next week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday.

The arrests have raised fears that a new wave of repression is coming, as the government seeks to root out spy networks and clamp down on any dissent.