Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government has declined to attend a special regional meeting on Afghanistan in Iran, despite receiving a formal invitation from Tehran ahead of the planned diplomatic gathering. The decision signals Kabul’s preference for existing engagement channels rather than newly created regional forums.
The meeting in Tehran is expected to include special representatives from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China and Russia, aiming to discuss regional coordination on Afghan-related issues. However, Afghan officials confirmed they will remain absent from the discussions despite being invited.
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Deputy foreign ministry spokesperson Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal said Afghanistan already maintains active and continuous engagement with neighbouring and regional countries through established organisations, forums and bilateral mechanisms. He added that these platforms have delivered practical progress in regional understanding and cooperation.
Moreover, the Afghan foreign ministry believes that strengthening existing regional systems is more effective than launching new forums, which may duplicate efforts and weaken coordination. Officials stressed that Kabul supports dialogue, trust-building and cooperation through mechanisms already in place.
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The announcement comes as regional tensions remain high, particularly between Pakistan and Afghanistan following recent border clashes and ongoing trade disruptions. Although a ceasefire was agreed through mediation, diplomatic strains continue, shaping the broader regional environment surrounding Afghanistan.