Iran Cultivates Taliban Ties to Gain Leverage, Experts Say
(WorldNews Iran)

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...