But just recently, the United States has accused Iran of meddling and trying to destabilize that government -- the interim government in Afghanistan -- and indeed it has accused Iran of being behind that shipment of weapons that was intercepted by the Israelis, allegedly on the way to the Palestinian Authority.

CNN: Christiane Amanpour: Bush's 'axis of evil' warning

Mr Khatami's support for the Afghan interim government is important for establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

BBC: Iran pledges Afghan support

The ISAF will be commanded by British Major General John McColl for at least three months and its initial task is to assist Afghanistan's interim government to maintain security in Kabul and surrounding areas.

BBC: Force for Afghanistan 'taking shape'

In Kabul, Hamid Karzai, the chairman of Afghanistan's interim government, dismissed reports that Omar has been arrested, saying the Taliban leader remains at large.

CNN: Taliban commander questioned on Omar's whereabouts