Speaking on Monday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast lauded friendly ties between Tehran and Kabul, and noted, "The Islamic Republic of Iran only recognizes the legitimate government of Afghanistan."
The remarks by the Iranian spokesman came after the Wall Street Journal claimed on July 31 that Tehran was expanding ties with the Taliban, allowing the militant group to set up an office in Iran.
The report said a member of the Taliban's leadership council, the Quetta Shura, has set up an office in the eastern Iranian city of Zahedan in late May.
Iranian officials have always condemned the western countries for sheltering members of different terrorist groups, including the anti-Iran terrorist Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), and deplored the West's double-standard attitude towards terrorism.
The Iranian officials say that despite the claims that western countries make about fighting terrorism, they provide the most support for terrorist groups.
In Europe the MKO has already been removed from the list of terrorist organizations and they are completely safe to continue their activities.
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Iranian Foreign Ministry categorically rejected recent reports alleging that the Islamic Republic has allowed Taliban to set up an office in the country's Southeastern city of Zahedan.
News ID 182381
