Tasnim � Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi confirmed that a delegation from the Afghan Taliban recently paid a visit to Iran and held consultations with relevant Iranian officials.

�Recently, within the framework of the comprehensive consultations of the Islamic Republic of Iran with all parties in Afghanistan, a political delegation from the Taliban traveled to our country to exchange views with the relevant Iranian officials about the latest developments in Afghanistan,� the spokesman said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters back in December, the then Foreign Ministry spokesman, Bahram Qassemi, said considering that 50 percent of the Afghan territories are in control of the Taliban and given the insecurity and instability in that country, Iran and the Taliban have held such negotiations, albeit with the knowledge of the Kabul government.

He said the main purpose of the talks was contributing to dialogue among Afghan groups and the Kabul government in order to move forward with the peace process.

�Iran, as a neighbor and major regional player, was willing to play an important role in establishing stability in Afghanistan after negotiations with the Kabul government,� Qassemi said at the time.

He explained that the talks with the Taliban would not mean Iran has identical stances with the group, saying it was necessary to start the negotiations to see if it is possible to contribute to the dialogue between the Taliban and Kabul.