Iranian Fears and National Interest

This chapter explores dynamics of Iran’s relations with Afghanistan and Pakistan with a particular focus on Tehran’s key concerns and national interests. In the case of Afghanistan, there are three main concerns for Tehran: the illicit trade of opium from Afghanistan to Iran, the presence of a large numbers of Afghan refugees in Iran, and the water sharing dispute over the Helmand River. This chapter also examines how Tehran views the establishment of the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan which whom Iran had conflictual relations in the past during 1996-2001. In the case of Pakistan, Iran has been concerned about the rise of sectarian and jihadist Sunni Baluch militant groups that have taken refuge in Pakistan. As examined in this chapter, our research participants have identified several key sources of tensions in terms of Iran’s relations with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Some Afghan participants were too critical of Tehran’s attitude towards the Afghan refugees living in Iran and considered the water dispute as a key pending dispute between Afghanistan and Iran. Some Pakistani interviewees mentioned the Saudi factor and border/security issues between Iran and Pakistan as sources of mistrust and tension.