Clashes Between Taliban and Iranian Border Guards Kill at Least 3

    Clashes Between Taliban and Iranian Border Guards Kill at Least 3
    Photo: VOA [via Wikimedia Commons]

    The Facts

    • Heavy gunfire was reported on the Afghan-Iranian border on Saturday between the Taliban and Iranian border guards, killing at least two Iranians and one Taliban fighter. Both sides blamed the other for initiating the clash.

    • Reports indicated that the fighting ended by Sunday, with relative calm returning to the Sasuli border post, where the clash took place, in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province which borders the Afghan province of Nimroz.


    The Spin

    Anti-Iran narrative

    The Taliban has been very transparent that it does not seek war with Iran. Neither country can afford to go to war, and diplomacy must prevail. Both countries have legitimate concerns regarding the Helmand River, and hopefully, an effective solution can be reached through mediated negotiations with Tehran being receptive.

    Pro-Iran narrative

    Iran will not stand for this aggression on its borders. The Islamic Republic's leadership has been clear that it will not allow Afghanistan, regardless of who's in power, to subvert past agreements and compromise Iran's water rights. Tehran will act with restraint, but it's willing to react with more aggression if necessary.

    Nerd narrative

    There's a 74% chance that Iran will recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


    Establishment split

    CRITICAL

    PRO

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