Geopolitical Significance of Iran and Pakistan: Factors of Regional Stability in Afghanistan

The recent developments in diplomatic dialogue between Iran and Pakistan regarding security issues not only serve as de-escalation following the January missile exchanges but also establish tangible conditions for formulating specific anti-terrorism measures in the region. As articulated following the visit of the Iranian President to Islamabad, “the parties reaffirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation in the field of security, as well as to develop a united front in the fight against terrorism”.

Among the agreements reached, significant points include intelligence sharing, coordination of actions in counter-terrorism efforts, and tackling transnational crime. Their implementation, combined with stated measures for economic development and humanitarian assistance, could steer the pressing issue of security in Afghanistan towards a pragmatic course for the international community, with clearly defined measures for achieving stability. However, it is crucial, in our view, that Islamabad’s and Tehran’s interactions consider Kabul’s interests and position, respecting Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The latter could be involved in discussions concerning its security and stability at a certain stage.

This article discusses only the fundamental aspects and prerequisites of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan concerning security in Afghanistan.

Common Interests

Iran and Pakistan, as Afghanistan’s neighbor’s, share common interests in ensuring stability and security in this region. Both countries experience adverse consequences of conflicts and instability in Afghanistan, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and migration flows.

Regional and Global Aspects

Stability in Afghanistan is crucial not only for the region itself but also for the global community at large, considering its geopolitical position and potential for radicalization. Iran and Pakistan wield undeniable influence over the security situation in Afghanistan and can play a constructive role in supporting the peace process and stabilization efforts.

It is essential for Iran and Pakistan to secure their borders and protect their citizens from terrorist threats, with stability in Afghanistan being a key factor in preventing the spread of terrorist activities and ensuring the security of the entire region.

Dialogue between Tehran and Islamabad regarding the situation in Afghanistan has always been ongoing, albeit previously limited to statements, preferring unilateral actions.

Certainly, the parties assess the risks and threats from Afghanistan differently. For Pakistan, the TTP is the primary trigger, while Iran is concerned about the activity of the anti-Shiite “Islamic State”, with Baloch separatists being a common problem.

Nevertheless, both Iran and Pakistan demonstrate readiness for closer regional cooperation, not only on security issues.

Official statements indicate that these two countries are prepared to form the core of a regional contact group on Afghanistan and will present concrete proposals to Afghanistan’s interim government. The group’s work will involve step-by-step resolution of issues faced by Afghanistan’s neighbors, as well as regional countries and the international community concerning the situation in this country.

In this paradigm, Iran is more inclined towards interaction with Afghanistan than Pakistan, primarily due to deeper contradictions regarding the TTP. However, recent Iranian-Pakistani agreements and Iran’s consistent policy are expected to mitigate tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. As inferred from Iranian official statements, regional orientation entails establishing understanding with all participants and demonstrating tolerance. This may include recognizing the importance of military cooperation oriented towards the region, as well as non-discriminatory governance internally and friendly relations with neighbors.

As long as Iran and Pakistan adhere to a regionally oriented policy and embrace its critical aspects, the first result will be successful interaction with Afghanistan’s neighbourhood, transforming it into a continental hub. This will also assist Afghanistan in establishing an effective relationship model in regulating global aspects.

Only with a regular and consistent consultative base, based on regional logic and thinking, can responsibility and tasks for a successful model of a new Afghan state be assumed.

The United Nations, undoubtedly, can express support for new Iranian-Pakistani efforts. In the context of its initiatives, the UN will benefit if these two countries, as well as other regional governments, strengthen practical measures to stabilize the anti-terrorism situation in Afghanistan and the region.

Iran and Pakistan are Afghanistan’s neighbor’s and play a key role in the regional dynamics of the conflict. Cooperation between them can contribute to more effective combating of extremist threats, control of drug and refugee flows, as well as strengthening state institutions in the IEA.

These priorities must be considered by the UN in a balanced manner. In fact, only a unified opinion and direction on these issues will create conditions for favorable trends in the future interaction of the region and the international environment with Afghanistan.

In practice, according to Pakistani media reports, Iran and Pakistan have decided to appoint liaison officers at the border between the two countries to jointly coordinate counter-terrorism measures. Under the bilateral agreement, Pakistani officers will operate in Zahedan, while Iranian officers will operate in Taftan.

Currently, according to Iranian sources, authorities in Pakistan and Iran are very close to concluding a security agreement, which includes the exchange of information and bilateral cooperation in the sphere of counterterrorism measures. Additionally, the two countries are considering the possibility of imposing sanctions against terrorist organizations operating in border areas.

Overall, negotiations between Iran and Pakistan on security issues in Afghanistan reflect the importance of regional cooperation and joint efforts in addressing the challenges facing this region. Effective interaction between these two countries can contribute to creating sustainable conditions for the peaceful development of Afghanistan and its people.

The support of the international community plays a crucial role in combating international terrorism in Afghanistan. Effective cooperation between Iran, Pakistan, and other regional countries is a necessary condition for overcoming this global threat. Joint efforts to prevent terrorist attacks and stabilize the situation in Afghanistan are key to ensuring the security and prosperity of all countries involved in this process.