This article analyzes the foreign policy strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran toward Afghanistan through the lens of the omnibalancing concept. The study aims to identify how the logic of preserving statehood and power positions shapes Tehran's approach to the complex threats and opportunities arising from the change of regime in Afghanistan (the rise of the Taliban*). The findings indicate that the key principle of Iran's policy is tactical pragmatism aimed at ensuring internal stabilization. The analysis examines the following strategic instruments: the policy of "managed tension" regarding the legitimation of the Afghan regime; the use of soft power; the development of economic cooperation with Afghanistan; and participation in international cooperation on the Afghan track, which enables the IRI to position itself as a regional leader. The study concludes that omnibalancing demonstrates tactical effectiveness in neutralizing immediate threats. However, its use as a long-term strategy for regional leadership faces two systemic constraints: 1) the risk of a confidence crisis – the strategy increases dependence on situational compromises, undermining long-term commitments; 2) its reactive nature – the actions of actors are determined by external challenges rather than their own initiative. * By decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation on April 17, 2025, the prohibition on the activities of the Taliban movement within the country was temporarily suspended.
Iran, Afghanistan, omnibalancing, Taliban, regional security, pragmatism, soft power, Iran-Afghanistan relations