RASC News Agency: A senior member of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission has asserted that the Taliban’s behavior towards Iran underscores their role as a growing threat rather than an ally. In an interview with ILNA, Abolfazl Zohrevand stated, “The Taliban lack the discipline required for governance, are uninformed about the principles of statecraft, and have consistently treated Iran as an adversary.” Responding to a query about the Taliban’s obligation to honor Iran’s water rights, Zohrevand remarked, “The Taliban have yet to gain international recognition, leaving their legitimacy in question. Internally, they are plagued by divisions, and the faction currently governing in Kabul shows little commitment to upholding agreements.”
Zohrevand stressed the uncertainty surrounding the Taliban’s accountability, saying, “Even if the United States were to recognize them, their conduct toward Iran clearly indicates a more antagonistic stance. The water dispute is just one illustrative example of their approach.” He criticized Iran’s handling of relations with the Taliban, highlighting water as a pivotal strategic issue in Iran-Afghanistan relations. “Water is not merely a resource; it is a strategic factor in our bilateral relations. Regrettably, the absence of a holistic strategy in recent years has resulted in significant setbacks. Those who advocated for unconditional engagement with the Taliban are now silent about the repercussions,” he noted.
Zohrevand further expressed alarm over the Taliban’s plans to construct an additional dam in the Zaranj area, a move he interpreted as a calculated effort to exert pressure on Iran. “This development demonstrates our failure to recognize water as a strategic lever in our foreign relations. Instead of addressing this matter comprehensively, we have repeatedly claimed that the Taliban are cooperative and that water issues have been resolved. Such oversimplifications ignore the fact that strategic priorities must underpin our foreign policy framework with any nation,” he emphasized.
In his concluding remarks, Zohrevand labeled the Taliban a direct threat to Iran and urged a reevaluation of Iran’s foreign policy to address this growing challenge more effectively.
