AFGHANISTAN AND IRAN: DYNAMICS AND CHALLENGES IN BILATERAL RELATIONS

Abstract

This study analyzes the bilateral relationship between Taliban-led Afghanistan and Iran since 2021. In the context of shifting regional and global dynamics, particularly Iran’s security concerns and Afghanistan’s international isolation, both countries have adopted pragmatic and cooperative approaches to promote a stable and mutually beneficial neighborhood. The research focuses on key areas of engagement, including cross-border security and migration, water resource management, trade, and the Taliban’s efforts toward international recognition. Diplomatic interactions between Tehran and Kabul are also examined to provide a comprehensive understanding of their evolving relationship. The study relies on both primary and secondary sources. Secondary sources encompass academic research, expert analyses, news reports, and policy reviews, while primary sources include official documents, press releases, and diplomatic communications. Particular attention is given to public statements, speeches, and interviews of government officials from both countries, offering insights into their strategic priorities. Utilizing a constructivist-realist analytical framework, the study finds that while Iran and Afghanistan have achieved notable cooperation in several domains, persistent challenges remain. These include ideological divergences, disputes over water allocation, and Iran’s management of Afghan refugees, which may impede future collaboration and destabilize bilateral relations.