The evolving relationship between Iran and the Taliban holds significant implications for the Afghan peace process, influencing the regional dynamics and shaping the future stability of Afghanistan. Historically, Iran and the Taliban have been adversaries due to their deep-seated ideological and sectarian differences. The Sunni Taliban and the Shia-dominated Iranian regime clashed vehemently during the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, with tensions peaking after the killing of nine Iranian diplomats in Mazar-i-Sharif in 1998. However, recent geopolitical shifts and pragmatic considerations have led to a thaw in their relations, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the peace process in Afghanistan.

Iran’s strategic interests in Afghanistan are multifaceted, driven by security, political, and economic concerns. Sharing a long border with Afghanistan, Iran is directly affected by its neighbor’s stability. The spillover effects of Afghan instability, including drug trafficking, refugee flows, and cross-border militancy, pose direct threats to Iran. To mitigate these threats, Iran has increasingly engaged with various Afghan factions, including the Taliban, to influence outcomes in Afghanistan in its favor. This pragmatic approach marks a significant shift from its previous outright hostility towards the Taliban.

Over the past decade, the relationship between Iran and the Taliban has evolved, influenced by the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the changing geopolitical landscape. Iran has provided sanctuary, financial support, and military........

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