Israeli media claims Iran and Taliban established secret financial, military network

An Israeli broadcaster, Channel 14, reported citing its sources that Iran and the Taliban have created a secret financial and military network. According to the report, Iranian officials are seeking a safe route through Afghanistan for emergency evacuations and military support from the Taliban.

The activities are reportedly managed by Mohammad Ebrahim Taherianfard, a senior Iranian diplomat and former special representative for Afghanistan under President Hassan Rouhani, and Kamaluddin Nabizada, a prominent Afghan businessman. Channel 14's sources claimed that Taherianfard and Nabizada held secret meetings with Taliban officials in Afghanistan in early January, coinciding with heightened protests in Iran.

The meetings allegedly aimed at two goals: recruiting paramilitary forces and securing access to Taliban fighters in case the Iranian government requires external military aid for its survival, and establishing a "safe passage" through Afghanistan for the emergency exit of Iranian officials. The report further claimed that Iranian officials are attempting to access U.S. military weapons and equipment in Afghanistan, offering oil and gas deals to the Taliban in exchange.

Channel 14 published an image of a purported new passport belonging to Nabizada, issued recently, claiming he operates under a new identity after being implicated in financial corruption cases and travels between Iran and Afghanistan. The U.S. Treasury Department recently sanctioned Nabizada for alleged ties to Iran's Quds Force, which his office dismissed as politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Iran-Taliban relations have reportedly entered a new phase. Iran's ambassador to Afghanistan stated in a recent interview that Tehran is negotiating recognition of the Taliban administration, praised their control over Afghanistan's security situation, and indicated that recognition would occur "in a way that surprises everyone" with no obstacles.

Iran's Deputy Oil Minister visited Kabul to discuss oil and gas exports to Afghanistan and offered to train Afghan engineers. Taliban officials have requested cheaper oil and gas sales.