Iran holds firm on not recognizing IEA govt despite Russia’s shift

Iran has reaffirmed that it will not automatically follow Russia or any other country in recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), saying that any decision on formal recognition will be guided strictly by Tehran’s national interests and regional priorities.

The remarks were made during a press briefing on Monday by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who addressed growing speculation following Russia’s recent decision to officially recognize Afghanistan’s government.

“Recognition of governments is a sovereign decision of each country, and we will also decide based on our own interests and national considerations,” Baghaei said, in response to a question about whether Tehran would follow Moscow’s lead.

His statement comes just weeks after Russia announced it would extend official recognition to the Islamic Emirate—a move that has stirred debate among regional stakeholders and drawn mixed reactions from global powers.

While Iran has maintained a working relationship with Kabul since the IEA returned to power in August 2021, it has yet to formally recognize the IEA.

Tehran has consistently urged the IEA to form an inclusive government, protect the rights of women and minorities, and uphold regional stability—conditions it views as essential for formal recognition.

Baghaei also addressed questions about Iran’s regional coordination, particularly with neighboring Pakistan. He confirmed that Afghanistan remains a regular topic of dialogue between the two countries.

Iran and Pakistan together host millions of Afghan refugees and have borne much of the regional fallout from decades of instability in Afghanistan.

Internationally, the Taliban administration remains diplomatically isolated. No seat at the United Nations has been granted, and most countries continue to withhold recognition.