This article analyzes how the regional geopolitical problems of the Islamic Republic of Iran — security, migration, water resources, international sanctions, and economic isolation — are being mitigated through the Afghan factor. Iran’s strategic approaches to transmigration, Shiite groups, water crisis, drug trafficking, and international mediation policies in Afghanistan are covered based on statistical and factual data. The article provides an in-depth scientific assessment of the current state and prospects of Iranian-Afghan relations.

Iranian foreign policy, geopolitical problems, Afghan factor, cross-border threats, security policy, migration crisis, Shiite groups, water diplomacy, drug trafficking, international mediation, regional stability, Islamic ideology and influence.

Afghan Analysts Network. (2023). Iran-Taliban Security Talks 2022 Report. Retrieved from https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org

Al Jazeera. (2023). Iran, Taliban discuss cross-border narcotics trade. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news

Barakzai, A. (2023). Helmand Water Conflict: Historical Analysis and Future Implications. Kabul University Journal, 18(2).

China Institute for Global Development. (2023). China-Iran-Afghanistan Economic Dialogues. Beijing University Publications, 9, 8–15.

EU Diplomatic Bulletin. (2023). Iran–EU Border Security Dialogue. Brussels, Issue 8.

FAO. (2022). Environmental Degradation in Sistan due to Helmand Water Reduction. UN-FAO Reports.

India MEA Reports. (2022). Chabahar Port and India-Afghanistan Trade. Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.

Iran Drug Control HQ. (2023). Annual Report on Drug Seizures and Border Operations. Tehran Government Press, 11, 5–9.

IRGC Foundation. (2022). Annual Report on Educational Programs for Afghan Shia. Tehran Press, 6, 12–17.

IRNA. (2023). Border Security Enhanced on Afghan Frontier. Iranian Republic News Agency, 12(3).

Pew Research Center. (2020). Religious Composition of Afghanistan. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/afghanistan-religion

Rahimi, M. (2023). Afghan Migration Policy in Iran: Strategic Containment. Tehran Policy Briefs, 7, 20–25. Retrieved from https://tehranpolicybriefs.org

Russian Foreign Affairs Bulletin. (2023). North-South Economic Corridor Updates. Moscow, Issue 22.

Russian MFA Brief. (2022). Iran’s Role in Moscow Format on Afghanistan. Moscow Foreign Affairs Press.

Tasnim News Agency. (2023). Raisi: Water Security is Iran’s Red Line. Retrieved from https://www.tasnimnews.com

Tehran Conference Briefs. (2021). Regional Dialogue on Afghanistan. Tehran Center for Strategic Studies, Issue 4.

UNESCAP. (2022). Chabahar Port and Regional Integration. Retrieved from https://www.unescap.org

UNHCR. (2022). Iran Fact Sheet, September 2022. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org/iran-fact-sheet

UNHRC. (2022). Report on Ethnic and Religious Discrimination in Afghanistan. United Nations Human Rights Council, Session 50.

UNODC. (2022). World Drug Report 2022. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/world-drug-report

UNSC. (2022). Security Council Session on Afghanistan. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/securitycouncil

Watson Institute. (2022). Fatemiyoun Division: From Syria to Afghanistan. Brown University Publications, 18–25.

World Bank. (2021). Water Management in the Helmand Basin. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/helmand-basin