The future relations
between Iran and Afghanistan

Tehran (Qodsna) – The developments in Iran's eastern neighbor are taking on new dimensions every day. The Taliban claimed it has seized control of 85 percent of territory in Afghanistan. However, after 20 years of occupation, the US government has withdrawn most of its troops and announced that the withdrawal of U.S. troops will be completed soon.

Experts consider the US withdrawal in this situation as an irresponsible act because the US government has occupied Afghanistan and has obligations under the international rules regarding the security situation in this country.

The fact is that the process of democracy in Afghanistan has stopped since the start and the army has not yet reached to the level of capability to confront with terrorist threats. The crimes of the United States under the pretext of the war on terrorism were very widespread and there is a kind of hatred for it in public opinion. Meanwhile, the leaders of Afghanistan who are the passengers of a plane that after the occupation of Afghanistan came from Canada and the United States to took the power and government are completely outraged by the majority of Afghan society.

These leaders who are trained in American’s political and security centers put the US instructions regarding pressure on Iran as a priority rather than to the security and welfare of the nation.

After several rounds of negotiations with the United States, which of course, without the presence of Afghan government representatives, the Taliban finally began to occupy the territory and at the same time we are witnessing the withdrawal of American and other foreign forces from the country. This was while the West was basically occupied Afghanistan with the aim of eliminating the Taliban, which was defined as a terrorist group! and now that the Taliban are re-occupying it, it is emptying the scene irresponsibly and of course suspiciously!.

The question is that what will be the relations between Iran and Afghanistan if the situation in Afghanistan completely be in favored of Taliban?

Some argue that a strong Taliban in eastern Iran is dangerous to Iran's interests and security, and others believe that the formation of a Taliban-led Islamic state that has largely distanced itself from former extremist policies, poses no threat to Iran's national interests and security.

The fact is that Iran is following the latest developments of its eastern neighbor with great sensitivity. There is no doubt that making a stable political and security situation in Afghanistan is desirable for Iran. But Iran prefers to achieve these stable conditions in a way other than military operation.

However, given the current situation and in the event of full control of Afghanistan by Taliban and the creation of an inclusive government in which ethnic rights are guaranteed, the priority of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to have constructive interaction with it. Given the conditions of Afghan society, Iran is also committed itself to providing the different needs of the Afghan people.

The Taliban have controlled almost half of the Iran-Afghanistan border for the past 10 years, during which any operation has not been launched against Iran from Taliban-controlled territory. Therefore, it can be expected that this situation will continue. Given the Iran's military capabilities, it is natural that Iran will not tolerate any counter-security action by Afghanistan, and past experience confirms this policy of Iran.

Formation of transnational political structure in which the rights of all ethnic groups are respected, is Iran's desired ideal for Afghanistan and there was no longer a threat from Afghanistan against Iran's interests and security. Obviously, as long as these two desired wishes of Iran are met by the Taliban or any government in Afghanistan, Afghanistan can benefit from Iran's cooperation and assistance in overcoming the crisis.