View: Taliban absence in Tehran sparks questions on regional ties

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.

Copied