Iran has resumed oil products exports to Afghanistan, a spokesman for the country’s oil exporters association tells Reuters. Tehran had closed its borders on 6 August as the Taliban took Kabul. According to World Bank data , Iran was Afghanistan’s second largest supplier in 2019 with $535mn worth of fuel exports just behind Turkmenistan’s $585mn and ahead of the US’ $386mn. Fuel exports made up 44% of total Iranian exports. Iran also exports electricity to Afghanistan.
Whilst Afghanistan’s previous US-backed government attempted to curb monetary transactions with Tehran, the latter may now benefit from the Taliban’s control of the country’s finances. Indeed, the spokesman says Iran expects to “easily” double trade volumes with Afghanistan. (CONTINUED - 138 WORDS)