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 has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council, accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of making "reckless and belligerent" remarks that violate international law and the U.N. Charter.
Iran has readied missiles capable of striking U.S.-related positions, responding to President Trump's escalating threats of military action if Tehran does not agree to his terms for a new nuclear agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential airstrikes and secondary tariffs if no agreement is reached over its nuclear programme, following ongoing talks and previous sanctions reimposition after the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 deal.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia hosted the presentation of the Armenian translation of the book by Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi, titled "The Power of Negotiations: Principles and Rules of Political and Diplomatic Negotiations."
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 4th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
A roundtable discussion on Azerbaijan’s demining initiatives was held at the Hudson Institute in Washington, organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy. Representatives from ANAMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided insights into ongoing operations and challenges related to landmine clearance.
The first-ever Central Asia-European Union summit takes place in Samarkand, marking a milestone in regional cooperation. Officials will discuss trade, investment, energy, and security, aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance political dialogue between the two regions, Kazinform reports.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 4th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
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