Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty May 24, 2022 By Michael Scollon Drone warfare benefits from stealth, unpredictability, and the ability to send a targeted message without open military involvement. Similar, it appears, to Iran’s intentions when it comes to its plans to manufacture drones in Tajikistan. General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the head of Iran’s armed forces, launched
RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi: After the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, Afghanistan became an unlikely refuge for a small number of dissidents from neighboring Iran. The Western-backed Afghan government granted asylum to the Iranian nationals, who were allowed to live freely without the fear of political persecution. But after the Taliban seized power in August 2021, some
Tolo News: “Afghan people must have an inclusive government to cover all political groups and ethnicities and as well as a government that can provide a lasting security across the country,” said Ebrahim Raisi. Several Afghan experts said the establishment of an inclusive government could be a pathway to end challenges that currently exist in
Tolo News: Afghan refugees in Iran expressed concerned about a census being taken in the country as it may cause problems with their current immigration status. Meanwhile, there are reports that hundreds of Afghan refugees are being forcibly deported by the Turkish government. Click here to read more (external link).
8am: Iran has deported many Afghan refugees because of celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr in the country on Monday. Iran had earlier announced Monday as the 30th day of Ramadan, and Tuesday was declared Eid-ul-Fitr in the country. The deported immigrants told Hasht-e Subh that they had celebrated the occasion of Eid on Monday in obedience to Sunnis
Ariana: Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has accused Washington of using ISIS (Daesh) to create insecurity and a rift among religious and ethnic groups in Afghanistan. Tasnim news agency meanwhile reported that Qalibaf also stated that the IEA had failed to provide security and that he called the creation of an inclusive government with
Ariana: The statement came on the heels of claims by Iran that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) was not safeguarding Afghans, especially the Shiite community, from attacks by the group. In response, the IEA said Daesh is no longer considered a serious threat in Afghanistan. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News: A source at the Afghanistan embassy in Iran confirmed that Tehran accredited an Islamic Emirate [Taliban] diplomat in the embassy. The source told TOLO news that although diplomats of the former government are still heading up the issues related to consulate services in Iran, the Islamic Emirate’s diplomat is working as third secretary.
8am: In a news conference, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said the Taliban regime is incapable of providing security to Afghanistan citizens, specifically to the Shiite minority sect, adding Iran will take the lead in fighting terrorist groups and ISKP. Click here to read more (external link). Related Nearly 90 Killed in Recent
8am: Local sources in Herat province have confirmed that the Taliban have seized an Iranian military vehicle following tensions with Iranian border forces. According to sources, tensions escalated between Iranian border guards and the Taliban at the Islam Qala border when Iranian forces intervened to stop a construction job by the Taliban along the border.