Iran’s ambassador to Kabul has proposed Iranian investment in Afghanistan’s iron ore and oil resources during talks with Taliban officials. He described the country’s mineral wealth as an opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation.
Alireza Bigdeli raised the proposal in a meeting with Hidayatullah Badri, the Taliban’s minister of mines and petroleum, according to a statement posted on X on Saturday by the Taliban Ministry of Mines and Petroleum.
The statement said the talks focused on strengthening economic cooperation, expanding bilateral relations and encouraging investment in Afghanistan’s mineral sector. Bigdeli said Iranian companies are ready to invest in Afghanistan’s iron and oil mines.
Badri welcomed the interest of Iranian firms and pledged cooperation with Tehran, the ministry said.
Iran, like most countries, with the exception of Russia, has not formally recognised the Taliban administration but maintains extensive diplomatic and economic engagement with the group.
Earlier, Mahmoud Siadat, head of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, said security conditions in Afghanistan had improved and that the environment was now favourable for investment, particularly in mining. He said Qatari, Turkish and Chinese companies were increasing their activities and warned that Iran’s global competitors were moving quickly to secure a foothold in the Afghan market.
