Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Iran Cultivates Taliban Ties to Gain Leverage, Experts Say

Roshan Noorzai

   The Taliban's meeting last month with high-ranking Iranian officials in
   Tehran is seen by some experts as an effort by the Iranian regime to
   increase its leverage in negotiations with the Biden administration and
   maintain influence in Afghan politics.

   Iran hosted a Taliban delegation, led by its deputy leader, Mullah
   Baradar, for a week, saying it was "part of Tehran's policy to reach
   out to Afghan parties in the Afghan peace process."

   Iran has developed closer relations with the insurgent group in recent
   years.

   "Iran has a major incentive" in cultivating ties with the Taliban, said
   Kamran Bokhari, director of Analytical Development at the Center for
   Global Policy, adding that Iran is looking to increase its leverage in
   negotiations with the new U.S. administration.

   "Four years of [the President Donald] Trump [administration] has really
   put them under a lot of pressure. They are coming to the table with the
   Biden administration from a position of relative weakness, so that
   means they need to gain leverage," said Bokhari.

   He added that to increase its leverage, Iran is trying to exploit the
   situation in Afghanistan, where the U.S. is facing problems and looking
   for an exit.

.