Analysis | Is Iran’s Policy Towards the Taliban Changing?

Kabul Times News | Shahpour Nayebzada

Recent developments in relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Afghan government have increased speculation about the possibility of Tehran’s change in approach towards Afghanistan. The simultaneous presence of some Afghan opposition figures and movements at official Iranian events, as well as increased political contacts with various Afghan groups, are assessed by some observers as a sign of a possible review of Tehran’s regional policy.

After the Afghan government returned to power in 2021, Iran expanded its relations with the caretaker Afghan government in the areas of trade, transit, energy and border cooperation. However, in recent years, disagreements on issues such as the rights to the Helmand River, border security, the situation of Afghan refugees and some security and cultural issues have presented challenges to the relations between the two sides.

Meanwhile, reports have also been published about the restrictions on the activities of some cultural institutions and centers close to Iran in Afghanistan, including measures against some media outlets and cultural institutions, which, according to observers, have affected the atmosphere of relations between Tehran and Kabul. Afghan officials have described these measures in various cases as within the framework of Afghan domestic laws.

Some analysts believe that inviting various Afghan political figures and groups to official Iranian events could be a message that Tehran is considering multiple options in Afghan policy and will not limit its relations solely to the Taliban. However, Iranian officials have not officially spoken of changing its policy towards the Afghan government.

In contrast, a number of other experts believe that Iran still considers maintaining stability in Afghanistan and continuing to interact with the caretaker government to be in line with its security and economic interests, and any possible change in Tehran's policy will depend on future developments and the behavior of the parties.

According to observers, relations between Iran and Albania have reached a stage where both sides are trying to use political tools to secure their interests while maintaining diplomatic channels. Therefore, the future of these relations will depend more than ever on how disputes, regional interactions, and internal developments in Afghanistan are managed.