ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Tensions flared between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Tuesday as the Taliban accused Pakistani forces of air strikes in eastern Afghanistan, which killed 9 children and a woman, and injured four others.

Afghanistan's Taliban government vowed Tuesday to "respond appropriately" to overnight strikes it blamed on neighbouring Pakistan that killed 10 people, as tensions spiked the day after a suicide bombing in a Pakistani city.

Iran on Wednesday offered Pakistan a "blank cheque" in order to resolve issues with India and Afghanistan, an unusual and rare show of support in the face of Islamabad's challenges from the eastern and western fronts.

Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif's statement comes after Islamabad's alleged launch of strikes on Afghanistan, killing 10 people.

Direct air cargo links reflect New Delhi’s efforts to reassert influence and could help Kabul reduce dependence on Islamabad, analysts say.

Afghanistan wants greater access to Indian markets for its fruits and produce, while also increasing imports of Indian medicines, machinery and textiles.

Taliban, which governs Afghanistan, said on Tuesday that Pakistani invading forces bombed the house of a local resident, killing 10.

The more hostile and uncompromising Pakistan’s approach becomes, the more likely Afghanistan is to accelerate its search for alternative trade routes and partners.