Iran's Engagement with Afghanistan: Cultural Linkages, Political and Security Challenges, and Economic Interactions

Iran’s Engagement with Afghanistan: Cultural Linkages, Political and Security Challenges, and Economic Interactions Journal of Studies on Southeast Iran and Its Neighbors (JSSEIN) is a peer-reviewed quarterly journal in Political Science Mostafa Naderi Visiting Lecturer, International Relations, Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran. Email: engmnaderi88@gmail.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6891-9839 Abstract This article examines Iran–Afghanistan relations, with particular attention to their cultural ties, political and security challenges, and economic interactions. It explores Iran’s cultural diplomacy through shared historical heritage, language, religious connections, educational exchanges, and media engagement. The article also examines major challenges affecting bilateral relations, including border insecurity, terrorism, irregular migration, and disputes over shared water resources. In the economic sphere, it considers developments and fluctuations in trade, investment, and transit. The article further examines potential future trajectories in Iran–Afghanistan relations and discusses strategies for strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.