Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Kabul concluded at 10 PM (Sunday), Kabul time.  

During his visit, the Iranian Foreign Minister held meetings with his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi, the prime minister, and the defense minister.  

In the Shahr-e-Naw area, Araghchi toured local markets, visited shops selling Afghan dried fruits, and ended his day by enjoying tea with his delegation at a city teahouse.  

This was the first visit by Iran’s Foreign Minister to Afghanistan since the political changes of 2021. It may signal that the Islamic Republic, after a thorough assessment of Afghanistan’s situation over the past three and a half years, seeks to normalize relations between the two countries.  

Araghchi described the purpose of the visit as “the beginning of a new path and a new chapter in bilateral relations.”  

Iran and Afghanistan share deep ties as neighboring countries. Afghanistan has also expressed interest in fostering positive relations with Iran and expects this visit to open a new phase in their bilateral relations.  

Discussions during the meetings primarily focused on expanding bilateral ties, increasing trade volumes, ensuring border security, addressing refugee issues—particularly the dignified return of Afghan migrants—and water-related matters.  

On trade, border security, and enhancing relations, both sides largely shared similar views. Regarding refugees, both sides agreed to work together to facilitate what Iran termed a “dignified” and Afghanistan a “gradual” return.  

On water issues, Afghan officials assured their Iranian counterparts that water flow to Iran would not be restricted. Afghan leaders expressed solidarity with their neighbors, referring to them as “brothers.” 

“Even if there were no Helmand Water Treaty, we would not deny water to our Muslim brothers across the border. They are humans—why should anyone deprive them of water?,” the prime minister explicitly stated.

In addition to official talks, Araghchi was accompanied by a delegation of Iranian traders. At the conclusion of the visit, a joint meeting of Afghan and Iranian businessmen, hosted by Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce, was held.  

Led by Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce and Iran’s foreign minister, the meeting saw participants discuss practical ways to enhance trade, transit, and investment.  

The visit concluded with commitments to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. The question remains whether both sides can turn this visit into the start of a “new path and chapter” or a truly “new phase” in their relations.