Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed that Tehran is currently hosting a delegation of Taliban leaders to discuss the peace process in Afghanistan. "To work toward peace in Afghanistan, we will sit down with all Afghan political groups and they [the Taliban delegation] are here for the same purpose," Zarif told reporters following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran Nov. 27.

According to the top Iranian diplomat, Tehran's efforts are aimed at promoting an all-inclusive internal dialogue on Afghanistan's future following a full withdrawal of foreign forces from the war-ravaged country.

Zarif's comments came one day after Taliban spokesman Zabihollah Mojahed broke the news on Twitter. The delegation, headed by Taliban bureau chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, is expected to meet with other senior Iranian officials.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has already appointed special representatives to encourage a negotiated solution among the leading Afghan groups. The push comes against the backdrop of a vacillating US approach in engaging the Taliban. Back in September, the administration of President Donald Trump announced a suspension of inconclusive negotiations with the militant group. The departure also prompted the Taliban to approach Russia and China, two other archenemies of the United States in the region.