‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Russia’s Recognition of the Taliban: Legal Controversy, Regional Stakes, and Implications for Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

mohammadjavad heydariandolatabadi

khu

10.22034/ca.2025.2067601.1906
Abstract
The re-emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan and their seizure of power in 2021 has once again revived legal and political debates surrounding the recognition of governments in international law. While most states and international organizations have refrained from officially recognizing the Taliban, the Russian Federation, by adopting a pragmatic approach, has pursued a path of gradual engagement and even some forms of informal recognition. This article, using comparative and legal analysis methods, examines whether Russia’s recognition of the Taliban aligns with or contradicts the principles and practices of international law. Within this framework, key concepts such as the distinction between “de facto” and “de jure” recognition, non-standard governments, and the transformations of the post-Western international order are explored. The article then analyzes the regional implications of this trend for the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran. These include Iran's use of the Taliban's ambiguous legal status to maintain security and diplomatic advantages, secure a rear front amid tensions with the West and Israel, and preserve its value as a bargaining chip for Russia in its negotiations with the West over Ukraine. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the need to reconsider legal frameworks of recognition in light of emerging geopolitical developments.

Keywords

Taliban
Recognition of Governments
Russia
Iran
Israel
Non-standard States
Regional Security

Subjects

‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 January 2026

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