Iran is actively pursuing its water rights from the Helmand River under Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, according to Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
In a recent press briefing, Baghaei stated that Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s special envoy for Afghanistan, is spearheading efforts to resolve the issue.
“Iran’s foreign policy remains consistent, and over the past three years, we have aimed to address mutual concerns with Afghanistan through ongoing dialogue, contributing to regional stability and security,” Baghaei said.
The Taliban have repeatedly claimed they are adhering to the 1973 treaty that governs Iran’s share of Helmand River water. However, Fada Hossein Maleki, a member of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, has disputed these claims, accusing the Taliban of mistaking seasonal floods for the actual delivery of Iran’s water rights.
Maleki argued that no concrete action has been taken by the Taliban to ensure Iran receives its legally agreed share.
Despite multiple visits by Iranian officials to Kabul in recent years, negotiations over the Helmand River’s water remain unresolved.
