Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated that Tehran will use all available tools to secure its water rights from shared and border rivers with Afghanistan. He emphasized that the issue has been a priority for the Islamic Republic since Afghanistan began constructing dams.
According to IRNA news agency, Baghaei responded to questions about Afghanistan’s dam projects, saying, “The Foreign Ministry, as the authority on national diplomacy, has consistently pursued Iran’s water rights from shared and border rivers as a fixed agenda.”
Baghaei added that Iran’s efforts to secure its water rights from the Harirud border river date back to the early 2010s.
During a press conference, he noted, “From the time Afghanistan started planning several dams, the issue became a focus for the Islamic Republic, and our protests have been officially recorded.”
The spokesperson highlighted that the water flowing from Afghanistan to Iran for thousands or even millions of years has established rights for all stakeholders on both sides of the border.
Baghaei also mentioned that Iran possesses specific agreements and documents regarding its water rights. He emphasized that Iran expects the Taliban to address this issue seriously, based on customary international law, environmental considerations, and the principle of good neighborliness.
Baghaei stated that Alireza Bigdeli, Iran’s ambassador in Kabul, is actively pursuing the matter, while officials in Tehran continue to use all available means to address the issue.
Iran’s water rights, particularly from the Helmand River, have become a contentious issue in recent years, especially as dam construction projects in Afghanistan, such as Salma, Pashdan, and Bakhshabad, have intensified.
Iranian officials view these dams as a significant threat to downstream regions, including Khorasan Razavi and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. The Helmand River is a crucial water source for eastern Iran, particularly for Sistan and Baluchestan.
According to the 1973 treaty, Afghanistan is obligated to provide Iran with its rightful share of water from the Helmand River.
Iran expects Afghanistan, particularly the Taliban government, to honor existing agreements and ensure a fair distribution of water resources. Diplomatic engagement and adherence to international norms are essential to avoid further escalation.
Given the critical role of water in regional stability and development, both nations must collaborate to find sustainable solutions. Addressing the concerns of both upstream and downstream regions can pave the way for improved relations and long-term water security.