Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the Taliban administration and some other neighboring countries, despite friendly relations, pursue their own specific interests and calculations. "Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and other friendly and neighboring countries help us, but they also have their own calculations," he said on Tuesday, September 28, at a meeting in Tehran.
These comments follow Mr. Pezeshkian's previous statements regarding security cooperation with Iran's eastern neighbors. He had earlier mentioned that the Taliban and Pakistan have cooperated well with Tehran in "wartime conditions" and have prevented "foreign" elements from entering Iran to create insecurity.
The Iranian president had emphasized that officials from both sides have deployed forces on the borders to contain threats and prevent the movements of armed groups, although he did not provide further details about these forces.
The Islamic Republic of Iran's relationship with the Taliban administration since the group's return to power in August 2021 has been primarily based on economic and security cooperation, especially in border management and counter-narcotics efforts. Nevertheless, Tehran has not yet officially recognized the Taliban government.
In recent years, Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed the need for joint border management, combating drug trafficking, and preventing the infiltration of armed groups. The Taliban have, at times, shown cooperation with Iran, particularly in the area of border security.
Mr. Pezeshkian's recent stance comes as border tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan have escalated, and Tehran, as a major regional player, has repeatedly called on both sides to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue.
Source: Afghanistan International
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