Closure of Afghan Embassies in Europe Signals Ties With Taliban, Says Iranian Diplomat

Rasoul Mousavi, an Iranian diplomat, has commented on the closure of Afghanistan's embassy in London, stating that the shutting down of Afghan embassies in Europe is a step towards closer relations between European governments and the Taliban.

Mousavi predicted that these countries would eventually agree to allow consular services of the embassies to operate in coordination with the Taliban.

On Sunday, Zalmai Rasul, Afghanistan's ambassador to the United Kingdom announced that, at the host government's request, the Afghan embassy in London will be closed on September 27.

Recently, Germany’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged initiating official correspondence with the Taliban's Foreign Ministry. The country has also asked the Afghan embassy and consulate in Berlin and Bonn to establish relations with the Taliban.

Mousavi, an Iranian diplomat, believes that the closure of the Afghan embassy in London could mark the beginning of the shutdown of other Afghan embassies still managed by representatives of the previous Afghan government.

Some of these embassies have issued statements opposing the Taliban and have lobbied against the group with host governments.