Iran Expresses Readiness to Cooperate with Afghanistan in Oil and Energy Sectors

Ali-Reza Beikdeli, Iran’s ambassador to Kabul, announced during a meeting with Mawlawi Ahmadjan Bilal, head of the Emirati companies, that the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to collaborate with Afghanistan in exploration, extraction, and export of oil and gas, construction of oil refineries, agriculture, water, and electricity. This meeting took place while Afghanistan continues to face significant challenges in energy and agriculture sectors, with infrastructure provision—especially in electricity and water—remaining a critical need for the population. However, it remains unclear to what extent the announced cooperation can meet Afghanistan’s real needs or whether it will be affected by restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration. Previously, Iran has maintained extensive relations with Afghanistan in the energy sector and played a vital role in supplying electricity and gas to certain regions of the country.