Iran should reboot ...
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Neglecting this reality will lead to graver threats, squandered opportunities and additional challenges.
The first step toward reaching an agreement with any neighboring country is achieving internal consensus and setting clear priorities and policies. Consequently, all bodies will implement these policies in a coordinated manner.
In the past, under the previous political system in Afghanistan, there were plans to sign a strategic agreement covering five key areas in the bilateral relationship but this opportunity was lost due to delays on both sides and the Republic collapsed in Afghanistan.
The next step involves assessing the current situation of the neighboring country. It is evident that a comprehensive agreement and stable relations are not feasible with a political system still shrouded in uncertainty and lacks the fulfillment of basic prerequisites in bilateral relations. Currently, the Taliban’s position is anything but stable and Iran should adjust its policies accordingly.
All neighboring countries are feeling their way through their relations with Afghanistan under a cloud of ambiguity due to prevalent regional and international uncertainties. As a result, there is no consensus among regional countries to form a united front to manage their relations with Kabul.
Currently, there are several axes of influence: the India-US axis, the China-Pakistan axis and the emerging Iran-Russia axis. However, the lack of alignment between regional and international agendas has led to a situation where the efforts of the international community are often counteracted by regional powers due to their interests and considerations and vice versa.
In the case of Afghanistan, there might be issue-based collaborations, such as in combating drug trafficking and terrorism, as seen in the early 2000s when Iran and the US indirectly cooperated due to shared concerns, which demonstrated that even rival powers can find common ground. However, these instances are sporadic.
Iran should send a clear and unequivocal message to the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The Iranian government can chart a new course in its relationship with Afghanistan, as many of its demands have gone unanswered in the past 40 months.