Iranian FM Defends Taliban Visit, Claims Afghanistan Is No Longer Fragmented

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has praised the Taliban for consolidating power across Afghanistan. He said, unlike in the past, the country is no longer divided among rival factions.

In an interview with Khabar Online, Araghchi stated that Afghanistan now has a central authority. He claimed that “sovereignty and security” exist, despite the continued presence of terrorist threats.

His remarks contrast with warnings from the UN Security Council and regional countries, including Iran, about the growing activities of terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

The UN has reported that Al-Qaeda has safe houses and training camps across the country. It also warned that ISIS-Khorasan has expanded its recruitment and operations.

Despite Taliban claims of defeating ISIS, the group has carried out deadly attacks, including ones targeting senior Taliban leaders.

Araghchi acknowledged the terrorist threat but said that Tehran must engage with the Taliban to protect its national interests.

He highlighted several key issues, including terrorism, the protection of Shia communities, Iran’s cultural ties through the Persian language, and its water rights from the Helmand River.

“These are serious matters directly linked to our national interests,” he said.

Araghchi led a delegation to Kabul in January. His visit drew criticism from Iranian media, which accused Tehran of legitimising the Taliban.

In response, Araghchi clarified that Iran does not formally recognise the Taliban government. However, he noted that other countries, including China, Qatar, and Central Asian states, have also sent officials to Kabul.

He defended his trip as a necessary step to manage bilateral concerns and secure Iran’s interests.