Washington and several other countries accuse Iran of building nuclear weapons, and are advocating stern U.N. action against Tehran. VOA Correspondent Benjamin Sand recently visited Kabul and reports that Afghanistan, while mindful of the U.S. position, needs to remain on good terms with Tehran, reports VOA.

In Kabul, the international war of words over Iran is being carefully monitored.

Washington says Iran is a global threat and is trying to build a nuclear arsenal. Iran insists it is using its nuclear technology for strictly civilian purposes and accuses Washington of planning an Iraq-style invasion. Iran’s nuclear programs are now being discussed by the U.N. Security Council, which could impose economic sanctions on Tehran.

Afghan officials insist their country takes no sides between its powerful patron, the United States, and its neighbor, Iran.

Javed Ludden, chief of staff for Afghan President Hamid Karzai, says Kabul hopes to see a diplomatic solution to the standoff, but in the meantime will keep working with both countries.

"Over the past four years, Afghanistan has had very friendly and close ties with both the United States and Iran and we will have hopefully no issues that separate us," he said.

Ludden says U.S. troops and economic support are critical to Afghanistan’s development. A U.S.-led coalition ousted the former Taliban government in 2001, and support from Washington has helped the Karzai government establish itself and begin rebuilding the impoverished, war-torn country.

But the country also depends on Iran for trade and for help in maintaining domestic stability. He and other officials say that no matter what other governments think, maintaining good relations with Iran must remain a priority for Afghanistan.

"With regards to Iran, it is, you know, it is our neighbor. We do not choose our neighbors," said Ludden. "You can choose your friends but you do not choose your neighbors."

The two share a border stretching more than 1,000 kilometers and a rich cultural history.

Iran also is one of Afghanistan’s most reliable trade partners. In addition, new agreements guarantee landlocked Afghanistan access to Iranian ports virtually tax-free.

Afghan officials and political analysts say if the United Nations imposes sanctions on Iran, Kabul would find itself in a tough position. If Kabul does not comply with sanctions, it could find itself facing pressure not only from the United States, but also from the United Nations, which has been instrumental in helping rebuild the country.