Iranian MP: Water Rights must be enforced against Taliban

An Iranian MP, Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardastani, stated that the Taliban does not adhere to diplomacy or water treaties, emphasizing that Iran’s water rights from the Helmand River must be claimed, not granted.

Ardastani emphasized in an interview with an Iranian media outlet on Sunday, January 12, saying, “Water rights must be claimed, not granted.”

Ardastani alleged that the Taliban views Iran as weak, much like the United States, and seeks to renegotiate the existing treaty to sell water to Iran. However, the Taliban has officially denied undermining the treaty, claiming that they are fulfilling Iran’s water rights, which Tehran disputes.

Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi announced during a visit to Sistan and Baluchestan that the government is pursuing its Helmand River water rights with the Taliban and that negotiation results will soon be shared.

Former Taliban Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, Abdul Kabir, recently stated that the water rights issue has been resolved amicably between Afghanistan and Iran. He warned that irresponsible statements could harm bilateral relations.

Ardastani accused the Taliban of attempting to invalidate the existing treaty, blocking the Helmand River’s flow at Kajaki Dam, and raising concerns about the drying up of the Harirud River. He also noted that the Taliban is leveraging Iran’s tensions with the U.S. to seek advantages.

Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have reiterated their commitment to resolving the water rights dispute with Afghanistan. Efforts are underway to engage the Taliban diplomatically and secure Iran’s rightful share.

Iran has adopted a policy of restraint to maintain peace along its eastern borders. Officials stress that this approach reflects strategic prudence rather than weakness, emphasizing the importance of stability in the region.

In 1973, Afghanistan and Iran signed the Helmand River Water Treaty, granting Iran 22 cubic meters per second (m³/s) of water from the Helmand River. An additional 4 m³/s was included as a goodwill gesture, bringing the total allocation to 26 m³/s, or approximately 850 million cubic meters annually.

The treaty aimed to balance equitable water distribution while respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty. However, disputes over water flow and compliance have persisted, driven by regional tensions and differing interpretations of the agreement.

The Helmand River dispute highlights the challenges of water resource management in a politically sensitive region. Resolving this issue requires cooperative diplomacy, balancing Afghanistan’s water needs with Iran’s rights. Mismanagement or escalation could worsen tensions and negatively impact regional stability and livelihoods on both sides.

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