High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Afghanistan–Iran relations were established in 1935 during King Zahir Shah`s reign and the Pahlavi dynasty of Persia. Afghanistan and Iran share similar language, culture and history. However, relations between the two countries have been negatively affected by issues related to the 1978–present war (i.e. Mujahideen, Afghan refugees, Taliban and the occasional border skirmishes), including water, the growing influence of the United States in Afghanistan, smuggling, and the execution of thousands of Afghan prisoners in Iran.