Sources familiar with the matter have told NIMRUZ TV that the Islamic Republic of Iran has increased pressure on members of Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front (NRF) in recent weeks in an effort to prevent attacks against Taliban forces.
Two senior NRF members, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that Iranian officials had warned members of the resistance movement against carrying out military operations targeting the Taliban.
According to the sources, Iranian authorities told NRF members that “firing at the Taliban means firing at us,” suggesting a growing alignment between Tehran and the Taliban administration.
The sources further alleged that relations between Iran and the Taliban are expanding and that Iranian officials have indicated Tehran could move toward recognizing the Taliban administration if regional conditions improve and ongoing political arrangements progress.
As of publication, the spokesperson for Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front, had not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
Meanwhile, two additional sources claimed that Iranian authorities have imposed new restrictions on former Afghan military personnel residing in Iran.
According to these sources, many former Afghan soldiers have been officially registered by Iranian authorities and now require authorization from Iran’s Foreign Ministry before traveling to Afghanistan.
The sources believe the restrictions are linked to concerns that former Afghan military personnel could join armed groups opposed to Taliban rule.
Reports also indicate that at least two former Afghan army members encountered administrative obstacles from Iranian authorities while attempting to travel to Afghanistan.
The National Resistance Front, led by Ahmad Massoud, remains one of the most prominent armed opposition groups challenging Taliban rule and has claimed responsibility for several attacks against Taliban forces in recent months.
In its latest statements, the NRF claimed responsibility for operations in Baghlan and Badakhshan provinces that allegedly resulted in Taliban casualties. Taliban authorities have not publicly commented on those claims.
NIMRUZ TV has not been able to independently verify the allegations made by the sources cited in this report.
