Sources have informed Afghanistan International that Salahuddin Rabbani, the leader of a faction of the Jamiat-e-Islami party and former Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, has traveled to Tehran to meet with Iranian officials.
This marks Rabbani's first visit to Iran since the fall of the Republic order in Afghanistan.
Additionally, sources revealed that the Islamic Republic of Iran has initiated efforts to create a unified front among the members of Jamiat-e-Islami, which fragmented into various branches following the death of its founder and leader, Burhanuddin Rabbani.
Rabbani's visit coincides with Iran hosting a regional contact meeting attended by representatives from China, Russia, and Pakistan. The Taliban declined to participate in this Tehran meeting, with Taliban’s Foreign Ministry official stating that despite Tehran's invitation, they would not attend.
Recently, the Taliban dismissed Abdul Jabbar Ansar, the Afghan Consul General in Mashhad. The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry announced in a letter that until a new consul is appointed, a diplomat from the embassy would temporarily head the Mashhad consulate.
However, Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated that any changes in the Afghan consular staff in Mashhad must comply with the 1963 Vienna Convention. Kanaani's remarks implied that any changes at the consulate should be made with Iran's consent.
Mashhad also hosts political groups opposing the Taliban. Some sources indicate that the National Resistance Front has official offices in the city.
Meanwhile, the Taliban has expressed readiness to participate in the Doha meeting. Observers suggest that the Taliban's actions reflect their disregard for the regional contact format initiated by Tehran.