[holding answer 16 May 2007]: The Taliban are currently able to threaten Afghan and international security forces in parts of eastern and southern Afghanistan by means of improvised explosive devices, suicide bombers and small-scale ambushes. They have not been able to hold territory in the face of offensive action by Afghan and international security forces.
Iran is an influential neighbour in the region and has a strategic interest in a strong and stable Afghanistan. Nevertheless some support for the Taliban emanating from within Iran gives cause for concern, not least the illegal movements of munitions across the border with Afghanistan. Any Iranian links to illegal armed groups either through the supply of weapons, training or funding, would be completely unacceptable. We have made this clear to the Iranians and will continue to do so.