The Taliban have refused to participate in a key regional conference on Afghanistan scheduled to be held in Tehran on December 16 and 17, raising fresh questions about the group’s commitment to regional stability and diplomatic engagement.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under Taliban control, confirmed on Saturday that it had received an official invitation but chose not to attend. Deputy spokesperson Zia Ahmad Takal claimed the decision was based on what he described as Afghanistan’s “sufficient engagement” with regional countries through existing cooperation mechanisms.
The Tehran meeting, hosted by Iran, is focused on recent developments in Afghanistan, with particular emphasis on easing escalating tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan. Special representatives from Pakistan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are expected to attend.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran places “fundamental importance” on security and stability in the region and hopes the meeting will help reduce tensions and promote dialogue. He specifically expressed optimism that the talks could contribute to de-escalation between the Taliban and Pakistan, whose relations have sharply deteriorated following recent border clashes.
Despite repeated Iranian calls for mediation, neither the Taliban nor Pakistan has formally responded to Tehran’s de-escalation efforts.
Concerns over Afghanistan’s security situation have also intensified at the international level. Iran’s representative to the United Nations recently warned about the growing presence and activity of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, stating that Iran is “directly and immediately” affected by developments there. He cautioned that without the formation of an inclusive national government, Afghanistan risks sliding deeper into conflict.
Ahead of the conference, Iran facilitated discussions among Afghan opposition political groups, resulting in a joint declaration titled “Unity of Afghan Political Parties and Movements.” The statement called for resolving Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis through political dialogue—an approach the Taliban have consistently resisted.
The Taliban’s absence from the Tehran talks underscores growing regional frustration with their isolationist policies and refusal to engage in collective efforts aimed at peace, inclusivity and regional security.
