Informed sources say that the Islamic Republic of Iran has, in recent weeks, increased pressure on members of the National Resistance Front (NRF) present on its soil in an effort to prevent attacks by the group against the Taliban.
Two senior members of the National Resistance Front, who requested anonymity, told media outlets that Iranian authorities have instructed the group to refrain from continuing armed confrontations with the Taliban.
According to these sources, Iranian officials warned NRF members that “shooting at the Taliban is equivalent to shooting at us.”
Based on available information, pressure on NRF members residing in Iran has intensified with the aim of halting the group’s attacks against the Taliban.
The sources further claim that relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Taliban are expanding. They added that Iranian officials have informed NRF representatives that Tehran may move toward recognizing the Taliban authorities if conditions improve and a potential agreement is reached with the United States.
As of the time of publication, it remains unclear how the National Resistance Front has responded to these demands.
Meanwhile, Sediqullah Ahmadzai, spokesperson for Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front, had not responded to questions from Afghanistan International regarding these claims at the time of reporting.
In addition, two other informed sources told media outlets that Iran has imposed restrictions on former Afghan military personnel residing in the country.
These sources, who requested anonymity, stated that most former Afghan soldiers in Iran are registered and cannot travel to Afghanistan without obtaining official permission from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to these sources, Iranian authorities are concerned that former Afghan military personnel may join opposition factions upon entering Afghanistan.
Based on obtained information, two former Afghan army members intended to travel to Afghanistan, but Iranian officials required them to obtain an official letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prior to departure.
The National Resistance Front maintains an office in Iran, particularly in the city of Mashhad, and a number of its members, including Mohammad Ismail Khan, are present in the country. The group is considered one of the political and military opposition movements against the Taliban and has, on various occasions, claimed responsibility for attacks against Taliban forces.
Recently, the National Resistance Front announced that its forces carried out an operation against Taliban fighters in Herat province on the evening of 12 June 2026, resulting in the death of two Taliban members, according to the group.
The Front also stated in a press release that it conducted a targeted operation in Farang district of Baghlan province on the evening of 11 June 2026. According to the statement, one Taliban member was killed and another wounded in the operation.
Previously, Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front, and Mohammad Ismail Khan met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Tehran, facilitated by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
