Confrontation and Competition of Iran and the United States in Afghanistan after 11 September 2001

.. The September 11th events and the invasion of the United States to Afghanistan and overthrow of Taliban added to sensitivity and importance of this country. Iran and the United States had common interests in overthrowing Taliban but this periodic understanding was marred after the United States president George Bush senior declared Iran as “Axis of Evil” in January 2002 and hostility between the two countries further increased. After Obama came into power in 2009, the possibility of military confrontation lowered. The signing of strategic treaty between the United States and Afghanistan added to Iran’s security concern and mutual concern continued and in some stages Iran was accused of helping Taliban.. The United States after a decade of unsuccessful intervention in Afghanistan should realize that Iran is a good partner for improving the prospect of peace and stability in Afghanistan. Both the countries have common interests in many issues in Afghanistan including helping Afghan government, fighting smuggling of narcotic drugs, dealing with crisis of Afghan refugees, helping strengthening Afghan security forces and creating suitable atmosphere for national reconciliation but the tensions in relations of Iran and the United States have hindered attaining these objectives.