# Iran hosts Taliban, Northern Alliance at Khamenei funeral 2026-08-07T20:45:25+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Hindu reports that during the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delegations from both the Taliban and the opposition Northern Alliance were present in Tehran. The Taliban sent Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, while the Northern Alliance sent Ahmed Massoud, son of the group’s founder. The two groups have been rivals since the 1990s. Iran has built strong influence with Kabul since the Taliban takeover in 2021 but does not officially recognise the government. Historically, Tehran, along with India and Russia, supported the Northern Alliance. The simultaneous presence of both sides highlights Iran’s delicate balancing act on its eastern front. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: Afghanistan, diplomacy, Iran, Khamenei, Northern Alliance, Taliban Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/iran-hosts-taliban-northern-alliance-at-khamenei-funeral/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/iran-hosts-taliban-northern-alliance-at-khamenei-funeral/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.