Iran's foreign minister travels to Kabul for talks with the Taliban

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Kabul on Sunday to meet with leaders of the Taliban, the highest level delegation since their return to power in 2021.

IRGC-affiliated Fars News reported that Araghchi met with Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Taliban's prime minister, and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during the visit.

The trip is highly significant, with key issues on the agenda including the status of Afghan migrants, water rights disputes, and shared security concerns.

According to Iranian media, the discussions are expected to culminate in a comprehensive cooperation agreement aimed at addressing these critical matters.

The visit has drawn criticism both within Iran and among Afghans. The Iranian newspaper Jomhouri Eslami argued that the trip grants the Taliban undue legitimacy, adding that "no country, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, recognizes them."

Countries including the US, UK and EU, continue to designate the Taliban a terrorist organization.

The paper said that recognition of any Afghan government by Iran is conditional upon holding elections and respecting the will of the Afghan people, which the Taliban have continued to reject, opting instead for a tribal, autocratic system.