Iran has appointed Alireza Bigdeli as the new head of its diplomatic mission in Kabul, according to Iranian media reports. The appointment was made through a directive issued by Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister.
Bigdeli succeeds Hassan Kazemi Qomi, who had also served as Iran’s special envoy to Afghanistan.
However, Iranian media reports state that “the office of the special presidential envoy for Afghanistan will be dissolved, and the special representative for Afghanistan will once again operate directly under the supervision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
A shift in leadership
Kazemi Qomi was appointed as Iran’s special envoy to Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. He was tasked with spearheading Iran’s policy of engagement with the Taliban and frequently emphasized regional initiatives aimed at resolving Afghanistan’s challenges.
Kazemi Qomi previously served as Iran’s ambassador to Iraq. In 2007, U.S. General David Petraeus alleged that Kazemi Qomi was a member of the Quds Force, an elite unit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Alireza Bigdeli brings extensive diplomatic experience to his new role. He previously served as charge d’affaires in Kazakhstan (1991–1992), ambassador to Azerbaijan (1995–2000), ambassador to Cyprus (2007–2010), and ambassador to Turkey (2012–2015).
