Afghanistan: Iran's strategic depth card in Central Asia

In 1998, Iran was on the brink of invading Afghanistan following the Taliban's execution of 11 Iranian diplomats in Mazar-i-Sharif. For decades, Iran's General Qasem Soleimani, who had waged a proxy war against the Taliban, was well aware of this situation. Eventually, American diplomats recognized Soleimani's invaluable assistance in deposing the Taliban through intelligence and tactical support. However, this cooperation is improbable today, as Iran's relationship with the Taliban has evolved.

Currently, Iran is working alongside the Taliban, who have turned against their former adversary, Pakistan. Russia and China have also gained interest in Iran's collaboration with Afghanistan to create an anti-American nexus in Central Asia. While Tehran's alliance with Kabul may be a transient arrangement, it has granted Iran strategic depth.

To understand this partnership, one must consider Iran's historical ties to al-Qaeda dating back to around 2010. American generals accused Iran of supporting the Taliban insurgency against NATO forces in Afghanistan. However, Soleimani and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had previously aided the Americans in overthrowing the Taliban.

The two nations were at odds over Afghanistan's governance, as well as their differing approaches to Iraq and Iraq's governance. Despite these disagreements, Iran's relationship with the Taliban has continued to grow, benefiting from Russia and China's support.