Top Taliban officials met with Iran’s foreign minister on Sunday to discuss issues including tensions along their shared border, the treatment of Afghan refugees in Iran, and water rights.
This marks the first visit by an Iranian foreign minister to Kabul since 2017.
Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to the return of around 3.5 million Afghan refugees, assuring that Iran had no intentions of interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, according to Afghan government deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat. Aragchi also called for the full implementation of the Helmand River water treaty, which outlines shared water resources between the two countries.
Acting Prime Minister Hassan Akhund urged Iran to treat Afghan refugees with respect, noting that large-scale repatriation was not feasible in a short time frame. He also highlighted that incidents such as the execution of Afghans in Iran stirred public sentiment. Aragchi also held discussions with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob.
Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s official IRNA news agency quoted Aragchi expressing hope for stronger economic ties and better relations with Afghanistan, acknowledging some past challenges. While Iran does not formally recognize the Taliban government, which took power in 2021 following the U.S. and NATO withdrawal, Tehran maintains both political and economic relations with Kabul and has allowed the Taliban to manage Afghanistan’s embassy in Tehran.
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