AFP, Teheran
The Taleban's advances in Afghanistan have put neighbouring Iran on edge, but the Islamic republic appears to be adopting a pragmatic approach and seeking a rapprochement with the resurgent militia.
With US and allied forces rushing for the exit and the Afghan government wobbling after a string of victories by the hardline Sunni group, Shiite Iran fears an influx of refugees fleeing sectarian violence alongside the danger of an ideological rival taking power next door.
Reformist newspaper Etemad warned Sunday of "unpleasant consequences if extremist and violent movements like the Taleban come to power, from a flood of refugees to the empowerment of dangerous sects, who share the Taleban's thinking, on our eastern borders."
Less than seven weeks before the last US soldier is set to leave Afghanistan after two decades, the Taleban say they control around 85 per cent of the country.
That has unnerved officials in Iran, which shares a more than 900-kilometre border with Afghanistan.
While Iran has long called for the forces of its arch-enemy the United States to leave Afghanistan, it also fears the consequences should the Taleban, who ruled from 1996 until the 2001 US-led invasion, return to power or should the country fall once again into chaos.
