RASC News Agency: Informed sources have confirmed to RASC that Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, with the mediation of the Iranian government, has engaged in a phone conversation with Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader. According to these sources, the dialogue primarily revolved around the potential formation of a Shura-e-Hal wa Aqd (Council of Resolution and Contract). Reportedly, following Eid al-Fitr, formal negotiations between the Taliban opposition, led by Sayyaf, and the Taliban government are set to commence in Tehran. Insiders further reveal that the discussion encompassed a mutual understanding on sidelining elections, addressing human rights concerns, and defining the role of civil society with both parties agreeing to deliberate on the formation of an Islamic government within the framework of Sharia law. Meanwhile, a political analyst and law professor at an Iranian university, speaking on condition of anonymity, told RASC that Iran is exerting diplomatic pressure on both the Taliban and opposition factions within its borders to broker a consensus on establishing an interim Islamic government in Afghanistan. The move, according to the expert, is aimed at countering U.S. influence in the region.
Separately, a senior figure within the National Resistance Front (NRF), led by Ahmad Massoud, has confirmed Sayyaf’s conversation with Mullah Hibatullah, asserting that a new phase of engagement with the Taliban is set to unfold, intended to prevent further bloodshed and political instability. The revelation of Sayyaf’s direct communication with the Taliban leader comes as he has been residing in Tehran for over a week. The Iranian government, which has maintained official political, economic, and cultural ties with the Taliban, continues to deepen its involvement in Afghanistani affairs. Notably, Iran was the second country after Pakistan to formally hand over Afghanistan’s embassy to the Taliban.
However, a separate high-level source has challenged the legitimacy of these claims, asserting that Mullah Hibatullah remains unwilling to engage with political figures who lack substantial military or political influence within Afghanistan. The source further stated that since the Taliban’s takeover, numerous former Afghanistani political figures have attempted to establish a dialogue with the group, yet the Taliban has remained resolute in its stance: “Swear allegiance, return, and live under the new regime.”
