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.1992年至1996年，正值苏联扶植的纳吉布拉政权倒台后阿富汗圣战者（Afghan Mujahideen）掌权的时期，是伊朗伊斯兰共和国（Islamic Republic of Iran，IRI）外交政策转型的关键阶段。相较于20世纪80年代的意识形态狂热，德黑兰转而奉行战略实用主义外交纲领，致力于稳固东部边境、保护境内什叶派少数群体，并抗衡地区竞争对手——尤其是巴基斯坦与沙特阿拉伯在喀布尔的影响力。研究结果显示，伊朗的外交政策旨在建立一个稳定的多民族政府，同时该政府亦可作为通往中亚市场的门户。然而，这一战略愿景最终因塔利班的崛起而遭到破坏。