Bright prospect for Tehran-Kabul trade
The developments in Afghanistan and the takeover of power by the Taliban have created new conditions.
Most influential countries, despite not recognizing the Taliban government, have made extensive efforts to utilize economic opportunities and create new positions to expand their influence in Afghanistan.
The Islamic Republic of Iran, with its 940-kilometer land border with Afghanistan and deep cultural, civilizational, and religious ties, has many capacities for economic and commercial cooperation.
In recent years, the special conditions that Iran’s eastern neighbor — which was under American military occupation for about two decades — was working under were the main obstacles to securing deep economic and cultural cooperation.
After the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, conditions have changed, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, while not officially recognizing the new government, is making efforts to take advantage of available opportunities.
Cooperation with the Taliban, as a current reality in Afghanistan, in the areas of security, economics, and the preservation of historical and civilizational ties is considered a necessity.
It should be noted that the Taliban is part of the Afghan society and currently runs the government of the country.
Therefore, due to the geographical proximity and the relationship the two have as neighbors, the Islamic Republic of Iran is compelled to strengthen its relations with the government of Afghanistan based on the logic of protecting national interests and national security.
It is necessary to mention that the visits made by political and trade delegations from both countries do not imply Iran’s formal recognition of the Taliban; rather, they purely serve Iran’s national interests. Other countries like Turkey and Qatar that have not officially recognized the Taliban similarly act in their national interests.