The Taliban leadership in Afghanistan skipped a major regional meeting in Tehran on Sunday, with analysts saying the absence is “not a deliberate political signal” but reflects timing and existing diplomatic ties.
Envoys from Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, including Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and China, as well as Russia participated in the one-day meeting to discuss recent developments in the country ruled by Taliban officials.
The Taliban chose not to attend, raising questions about its stance on regional diplomacy.
Speaking to AnewZ, Ali Latifi, Asia Editor for The New Humanitarian, said the Taliban’s absence is “not a deliberate political signal or a deliberate rejection.”
He noted that the Islamic Emirate maintains strong ties with Tehran, Moscow, and other nations present, suggesting there is no major diplomatic rift.
The meeting focused on security coordination, refugee flows, and economic issues. Latifi explained that while these countries have bilateral interests, “they are all trying to show that the region can sort of work for itself and address its own issues.”
Regarding Russia and China, the analyst highlighted their “very good relations with the Islamic Emirate,” noting that China is actively investing in Afghanistan and Russia was the first nation to recognise the Taliban government.
Latifi also emphasised the Taliban’s ongoing interest in engagement: “They keep saying that we want more relations with other nations… choosing not to attend this one event does not mean that they want to be ostracised again or pull themselves away from the regional and global community.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry told a weekly press conference that it “respects” Kabul’s decision not to participate in the Tehran meeting despite all relevant countries, including Afghanistan, being invited.
“Iran believes that Afghanistan's participation in such processes can help strengthen understanding and resolve problems between Afghanistan and neighbouring countries,” spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said.
Three Dutch parties have agreed to form a minority coalition that will install D66 leader Rob Jetten as the country’s youngest prime minister....
Storm Chandra brought severe flooding and widespread disruption to parts of Ireland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, as strong winds and heavy rain sw...
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has assured Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh will not permit its airspace or territory to be use...
The S&P 500 edged to a record closing high on Tuesday, marking its fifth consecutive day of gains, as strong advances in technology stocks offset a sh...
Nigeria’s army says troops have rescued 11 kidnap victims during a late-night operation on the Kaduna–Abuja highway after tracking militants movin...
The claim that U.S. President Donald Trump's intervention stopped the execution of 800 detainees is "completely false", said prosecutor-general of Iran, Mohammad Movahedi on Friday (23 January). According to him, the number cited by Trump does not exist and the judiciary has made no such decision.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has an "armada" heading toward Iran but hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear programme.
Several locally-developed instant messaging applications were reportedly restored in Iran on Tuesday (20 January), partially easing communications restrictions imposed after recent unrest.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has called for support for protesters seeking to overthrow Iran’s government. Speaking at a press conference in Washington on 16 January, Pahlavi outlined plans to return to Iran and called for action against the country’s Revolutionary Guards.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected a U.S. magazine report on the death toll during January unrest. Nationwide protests erupted in response to soaring inflation and a national currency crisis.
The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has climbed to 6,126, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, often viewed as a bellwether for the complex diplomatic currents between the Kremlin and the West, has issued a startling prediction regarding the endgame of the war in Ukraine.
The strategic axis between Israel and Azerbaijan has been significantly reinforced this week as President Ilham Aliyev received Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Baku.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday that Europe is "incapable" of defending itself alone without the United States, dismissing calls for a separate European defence force and stressing that transatlantic cooperation remains essential for the continent’s security.
Three Dutch parties have agreed to form a minority coalition that will install D66 leader Rob Jetten as the country’s youngest prime minister.
Storm Chandra brought severe flooding and widespread disruption to parts of Ireland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, as strong winds and heavy rain swept across the island.
Nigeria’s army says troops have rescued 11 kidnap victims during a late-night operation on the Kaduna–Abuja highway after tracking militants moving captives through forested terrain.
The European Parliament has delayed until next week a decision on whether to resume work on the EU–U.S. trade deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Washington would withdraw its support for Iraq if former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki is returned to power, citing concerns over governance, stability and regional influence.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment