KABUL — Iran’s top envoy in Afghanistan, Ali Reza Bigdeli, said that Tehran’s long-standing dispute over water rights from the Helmand River has been resolved following negotiations with the Taliban.
According to Iranian media reports, Bigdeli credited discussions between an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and senior Taliban officials for reaching an agreement.
“During the foreign minister’s recent visit, Afghan authorities (the Taliban) reaffirmed their commitment to the treaty and expressed a willingness to address water-related challenges in Sistan and Baluchestan in a spirit of Islamic brotherhood,” Bigdeli said.
Bigdeli also highlighted Iran’s economic ties with Afghanistan, noting that bilateral trade exceeded $2 billion over the past nine months. Expanding economic cooperation, he said, remains a priority for Tehran.
The Iranian diplomat further praised the Taliban’s ban on opium cultivation and drug trafficking and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to working with Afghanistan on counterterrorism and narcotics control.
“Fighting terrorism and extremism is a key area of cooperation between our countries. At present, both sides are engaged in counterterrorism efforts,” he said.
Araghchi visited Kabul on Jan. 26, leading a political and economic delegation for talks with senior Taliban officials, including the Taliban’s chief minister, foreign minister, and defense minister.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, described the visit as part of ongoing engagement with the Taliban on “mutual interests and concerns.”
The discussions covered several key issues, including Iran’s water rights from the Helmand River, counterterrorism efforts, narcotics control, migration, and border security, according to Iranian officials.
