Iran and Afghanistan are working to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties as the Taliban seeks greater engagement with the United States. The discussions focus on trade, security, and regional stability, highlighting shifting alliances in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The governor of South Khorasan province in Iran, Mohammad Reza Hashemi has revealed efforts to set up an Iranian consulate in Farah province of Afghanistan, alongside an Afghan consulate in Birjand, Iran. This initiative seeks to enhance trade and economic ties between the two neighboring nations. The Iranian governor highlighted that these consulates would serve to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cooperation in multiple sectors. The proposed consulates are expected to play a key role in administrative processes, facilitate cross-border movement, and boost regional commerce.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that the Taliban has intensified its attempts to win favor with the Trump administration, seemingly seeing an opportunity to restore official ties and establish a presence in the U.S. The Taliban also proposed opening an office in the U.S. to handle issues related to the Afghan community, suggesting that it wouldn’t necessarily function as an embassy and could be located outside Washington. The Taliban has floated the idea of the U.S. government recognizing its rule as Afghanistan’s legitimate government.
Last month, the U.S. sent a delegation led by Adam Boehler to negotiate the release of American prisoners held by the Taliban. This marked the first time a U.S. official met with the Taliban in Afghanistan since the group regained power in 2021. As a gesture of goodwill, the Taliban released George Glezmann after over two years of captivity. Following Glezmann’s release, the U.S. removed millions of dollars in bounties on three members of the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network, which for years had carried out deadly attacks on American forces and remains designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S.
In a significant shift, last week the U.S. omitted Afghanistan from its list of threats to U.S. national security in the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment report released by the U.S. intelligence community. This is the first time in decades that Afghanistan was not considered a direct threat to U.S. security. A few days later, the Taliban released another U.S. citizen, Faye Hall, from captivity, signaling a significant development in U.S.-Taliban engagement.
Speaking to AnewZ, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, stated that the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks a positive working relationship with the U.S. based on mutual understanding.” He also expressed hope that the Trump administration would open a new chapter in U.S.-Afghanistan relations. The Taliban has secured diplomatic postings worldwide, deploying representatives to staff them. While no country has formally recognized the group as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, it has made notable diplomatic inroads.
The developments highlight a shifting geopolitical landscape as Iran and Afghanistan work to deepen their economic and administrative cooperation, while the Taliban continues its efforts to gain international legitimacy, particularly through engagement with the United States. The release of American detainees and the removal of bounties on Haqqani network members suggest a cautious but evolving dialogue between the Taliban and Washington. Whether these steps will lead to broader recognition or a more stable relationship remains uncertain, but the recent moves indicate a willingness on both sides to explore new avenues of interaction.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched another wave of drone attacks on Israel overnight, in what it calls the 19th round of strikes targeting strategic sites across the country.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched another wave of drone attacks on Israel overnight, in what it calls the 19th round of strikes targeting strategic sites across the country.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A tornado ripped through a rural area of North Dakota late Friday, killing three people and leaving behind severe damage as storms lashed parts of the upper Midwest.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched another wave of drone attacks on Israel overnight, in what it calls the 19th round of strikes targeting strategic sites across the country.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A tornado ripped through a rural area of North Dakota late Friday, killing three people and leaving behind severe damage as storms lashed parts of the upper Midwest.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
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