STRATEGIC REALISM AND THE NON-PASHTUN CORRIDOR: IRANIAN FOREIGN POLICY DURING THE MUJAHIDEEN ERA (1992-1996)

The period between 1992 and 1996, marked by the rule of the Afghan Mujahideen following the collapse of the Soviet-backed Najibullah regime, represents a transformative phase in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI). Shifting from the ideological fervor of the 1980s toward a doctrine of strategic pragmatism, Tehran sought to secure its eastern borders, protect the Shia minority, and counter the influence of regional rivals particularly Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in Kabul. The findings indicate that Iran’s policy was driven by the objective of establishing a stable, multi-ethnic government that could also function as a gateway to Central Asian markets. However, this strategic vision was ultimately undermined by the rise of the Taliban.