Why Did the Iranian Foreign Minister’s Visit to Afghanistan Fail?
By Shoaib Saleh, "Sadae Afghоnistоn"
Various hints about the complexities of diplomatic relations between Iran and the Taliban accompanied Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s one-day visit to Afghanistan. The visit, which was the first by a senior Iranian official to Afghanistan since the Taliban came to power, was billed by the Taliban as “the beginning of a new chapter” in relations between the two countries. However, Araghchi’s failure to meet with senior Taliban officials and his surprise visit to a restaurant in Kabul has raised many questions about the achievements of the trip and the future of diplomatic relations between Iran and Afghanistan.
However, despite the hype and publicity surrounding the trip, the cold reception Araghchi received from mid-level Taliban officials has raised many questions. The photo of Araghchi with the Taliban Prime Minister, although it includes the Taliban flag, does not include the flag of the Iranian government or country, and many critics found it humiliating and offensive. Especially since the Prime Minister chose to communicate with Araghchi through an interpreter. This was a mockery of the Iranian side's insistence on a common history and culture. Most of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, as well as some government officials and experts on Afghanistan in that country, reportedly opposed the trip.
While both sides claim that developing economic relations between the two countries is one of the most important goals of the trip, one notable point was that Araghchi did not meet with Abdulghani Baradar, the Taliban's deputy prime minister for economic affairs! This important issue, which was not covered by the media on both sides, has raised concerns about the level of diplomatic interaction between Iran and the Taliban.
On the other hand, strangely enough, the Taliban media, which had completely planned and controlled the coverage of this trip, did not allow Araghchi to talk to journalists together with his Taliban counterpart! He appeared before the journalists alone, which, despite both sides' insistence on unity and brotherhood and similar diplomatic slogans, was a sign of the difficult state of political relations between them.
Araghchi visit to a restaurant in Kabul also touched the hearts of Afghan netizens and became a hot topic in the media. This action takes on a special shade when compared with similar behavior of the Iranian Foreign Minister during his visit to the Syrian capital, after which Bashar al-Assad was toppled and Damascus fell. The Iranian minister's restaurant tours attracted more attention, as they were accompanied by reports on the current economic crisis and poverty in Afghanistan, including the collapse of the Afghan currency. This dramatic performance and the visit of the Iranian diplomatic delegation to the country became more visible.
Abbas Araghchi's visit to Kabul, despite the Taliban stressing its importance, was a cautious diplomacy without tangible achievements. Some experts believe that Iran is still trying to maintain relations with the Taliban during this trip, but on the other hand, the failure to engage with senior Taliban officials such as Abdulghani Baradar indicates the Taliban's cold behavior and humiliating game with the Iranian authorities. Contrary to the propaganda statements of the parties, these statements showed that there are serious limitations in these relations.
In addition, there is criticism of Iran's policy towards the Taliban. Especially in a situation where some Western countries and even Russia and China have reconsidered their interactions with the Taliban, it seems that Iran is still pursuing a passive policy towards this group. Analysts believe that unless Iran changes its policy in Afghanistan and seizes diplomatic opportunities, it could find itself in a weaker position vis-à-vis its regional and international rivals and enemies.
Meanwhile, there are also concerns about Iran’s inability to effectively engage diplomatically with the Taliban, especially given the critical security and economic situation in Afghanistan. Some observers warn that continuing this type of relationship, which some call a “failed policy,” could further isolate Iran in the region and weaken its position in the face of security and economic challenges.
Overall, Araghchi's trip to Kabul is seen as more of a symbolic move in Iran's foreign policy that has yet to yield any significant achievements. The future of Iran-Taliban relations remains very unclear and depends on the political and security developments in Afghanistan, as well as upcoming regional developments.
