Oman has handed over control of Afghanistan’s embassy in Muscat to representatives of the Taliban, according to a Taliban spokesman. This move marks another instance of a foreign mission being transferred to the Taliban, despite the group not being officially recognized by any country.
The Taliban-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that its diplomats began work at the embassy on Sunday, September 15. However, the Omani government has yet to issue any public statement on the matter.
While Taliban has not disclosed who has been appointed as ambassador or chargé d’affaires at the embassy, Zia Ahmad Takal, the Taliban’s deputy foreign ministry spokesman, expressed optimism on the social media platform X, stating that the resumption of the embassy’s operations could play a significant role in strengthening relations with Oman.
Currently, most of Afghanistan’s diplomatic missions, with the exception of its embassy in the United States—which remains closed—are either being run by or have some level of engagement with the Taliban. However, despite maintaining operational ties with some countries, no nation, including close neighbors like Iran, Russia, and China, has formally recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government.
The lack of international recognition has had profound effects on the Afghan economy and daily life. Many Afghans report that the failure to recognize the Taliban government has exacerbated poverty and left them facing numerous challenges.
Global bodies, including the United Nations, have repeatedly emphasized that official recognition of the Taliban hinges on the group’s commitment to upholding human rights, forming an inclusive government, combating terrorism, and honoring Afghanistan’s international obligations.
