Iran is engaged in ongoing discussions regarding the formal recognition of Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate, with the process expected to move forward without significant delay, according to Iran’s ambassador in Kabul, Alireza Bigdeli.

Speaking to an Afghan media outlet, Bigdeli said the timing of official recognition would “develop naturally,” expressing confidence that the issue would not become a prolonged matter. He emphasized that there are no political or institutional obstacles within Tehran preventing recognition of the Islamic Emirate.

“There are currently no barriers in Iran regarding recognition,” the ambassador said, noting that Tehran has already established what he described as fraternal and kinship-based relations with Afghanistan’s current government.

Bigdeli added that Iran has been steadily expanding its engagement with the Islamic Emirate across multiple sectors, even prior to any formal recognition. He pointed out that Iran’s diplomatic mission in Afghanistan is led by senior officials and operates with full backing from Iranian authorities, including direct support from the president, underscoring Tehran’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

The ambassador’s remarks come amid a broader shift in regional and international discourse, with a growing number of countries acknowledging the need to engage pragmatically with the Islamic Emirate as the governing authority in Afghanistan.

Reflecting this trend, the Russian ambassador to Pakistan recently stated that improvements in Afghanistan’s security situation justify deeper engagement with the Islamic Emirate. He noted that the Afghan authorities are increasingly focused on national interests and internal stability, factors that have encouraged regional actors to reassess their approach.

Observers say Iran’s stance signals a potential step toward wider regional recognition of the Islamic Emirate, as neighboring countries prioritize security cooperation, economic ties, and political stability in Afghanistan. (ILKHA)