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

Authors

  • Mamajonova Madinabonu Xamidjon kizi Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies PhD student of the Department of “International Relations”

Keywords:

Strategic realism, Iranian foreign policy, Afghan Mujahideen, non-Pashtun corridor, geopolitical strategy, Afghanistan Civil War, Iran–Afghanistan relations, ethnic alliances, regional balance of power, post-Najibullah era.

Abstract

 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.

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References

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Published

2026-04-24

How to Cite

Mamajonova Madinabonu Xamidjon kizi. (2026). STRATEGIC REALISM AND THE NON-PASHTUN CORRIDOR: IRANIAN FOREIGN POLICY DURING THE MUJAHIDEEN ERA (1992-1996). Journal of Applied Science and Social Science, 16(4), 1138–1141. Retrieved from https://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass/article/view/4180

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 4 (2026): Journal of Applied Science and Social Science

Section

Articles

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